New bicycle lane for greener JB

A cyclist trying out the new bicycle lane, introduced by MBJB, that runs along a major road in the city centre.

THOSE keen on cycling in Johor Baru can now zip along a 15km bicycle lane around the city centre that runs next to several main roads.

Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Noorazam Osman said the lane was introduced in mid-January as part of Johor Baru City Council’s (MBJB) effort to promote the use of bicycles in the city as well as to encourage a healthier lifestyle.

“We also want to promote a low-carbon society by reducing vehicle usage in the city,” he said during the full board meeting at Menara MBJB in Johor Baru.

Some of the roads where the blue bicycle lane runs parallel to include Jalan Ayer Molek, Jalan Yahya Awal, Jalan Tasek Utara, Jalan Datin Halimah, Jalan Wong Ah Fook and Jalan Kolam Ayer.

The city council is currently identifying other roads suitable for incorporating bicycle lanes to create a network that connects to all main locations in the city, said Noorazam.

“There are some who have opposed this idea, saying it can lead to many problems, but as a city that is continuously growing towards sustainability, changes need to be made no matter how small.

“This is in line with what has been practised in other major cities around the globe, and will act as support for public transportation in Johor Baru city,” he said.

He added that MBJB would continue to carry out improvements on the lane.

The lane will serve as a safety guide for cyclists while reminding motorists to share the road with other road users, said the mayor.

“It is equipped with a few safety features such as aluminium solar reflective stud, bicycle signboard, cycling sign on the pavement and the sharing lane signboard,” he said.

He highlighted that the lane was built following safety regulations and specifications.

To encourage cycling, Noorazam said MBJB would be working with the Darul Ta’zim Bicycle Club to organise the Johor Baru Criterium Championships 2023 Mayor’s Cup and 20km Fun Ride at the Dataran Bandaraya Johor Baru on March 10 and 11.

“We will also be organising the JB Neon Recreational Night on March 10 and JB Car-Free Day on March 18,” he said.

On another matter, the mayor said the city council had started its litter-picking programme every Sunday in areas under MBJB.

“So far, more than 6,180kg of rubbish have been collected during these plogging activities,” he said.

“However, the numbers are not something to be proud of as it clearly shows the lackadaisical mentality of city folk who do not seem to care about the environment.”