Cyclists riding single file on the Federal Highway bike lane. — Courtesy photo
SOME motorcyclists are against sharing the Federal Highway bike lane with bicycles.
Abu Shantoo, 36, who uses the lane a few times a week to go to work, said the lane was too narrow to accommodate both motorcycles and bicycles.
“Most cyclists ride in groups and tend to chat with each other while cycling. I once encountered a group of cyclists on the lane at night and honked for them move to the side,” he said.
“To prevent accidents, I believe cyclists should only cycle in suitable areas such as parks or stadiums.
“Those cycling to work are a small group compared to those riding a motorcycle.
“Sharing the lane is not easy because any dedicated lane should be designed based on the type of vehicles it aims to serve.”
Mohamad Afiq says cyclists should have access to the Federal Highway bike lane for their safety.
Another motorcyclist, who wanted to be known only as Azhar, said the bike lane was unsafe for bicycles.
“Bicycles have smaller tyres which increases the risk of them falling even when encountering obstacles like a small pothole.
“In addition, motorcycles are also faster compared to bicycles.
“The bike lane along the Federal Highway is narrow and quite dark at night,” he added.
However, Mohamad Afiq Akmal Mohd Sofee, 28, who uses the bike lane on Federal Highway almost every day, said cyclists should have access to the lane for their safety.
“Cyclists cannot be cycling on the main road because it is illegal and dangerous,” he said.
“The bike lane could be widened, or redesigned by adding another lane for bicycles.
“More signage should also be installed to inform users that the lane is a shared space.” — By LEW GUAN XI
