Calls for mobility plan to fix dangerous roads for cyclists, pedestrians

Some roads in Klang Valley, like Jalan Kelang Lama, are almost impossible for pedestrians and cyclists to cross as pedestrian bridges are few and far between. — Filepic

Residents hope the upcoming Selangor Mobility Master Plan will considerably improve local walking and cycling infrastructure.

Expected to be launched early next year, the master plan will provide definitive guidelines for all local authorities and public transport operators across the state.

Toh says it is difficult to cross roads that function like an eight-lane highway.

Freelance writer Sumes Toh, who lives in Petaling Jaya, said the link between neighbourhoods in the Klang Valley had been disrupted by highways and roads that were unfriendly for pedestrians and cyclists like herself.

She said it was almost impossible to cross roads that functioned like an eight-lane highway.

“Overhead pedestrian bridges are also few and far between on such roads,” she said, calling for the state to build at-grade crossings instead.

Toh also said the walkability around commercial centres and transit stations could still be improved.

“Even in mature neighbourhoods like Taman Bahagia, safe crossings and pedestrian paths are still lacking, forcing pedestrians to walk on the roads, next to traffic.

Lai is calling for more bicycle-friendly streets.

“There also needs to be steps for education or campaigns in the master plan to encourage more people to leave their cars and use alternative modes of transport,” Toh added.

Food scientist Eugene Lai, also from Petaling Jaya, called for more bicycle-friendly streets.

“Roads should be safe to ride on the far left lane and having dedicated bicycle lanes could help.

Currently, roads like Jalan Harapan are still not totally safe for cyclists like me.

“Additional overhead bridges with ramps could be introduced to encourage more people to cycle, as not everyone has the strength to carry their bicycles over existing bridges to cross wide roads,” he said.

Commute Initiatives director Justin Lee said the master plan must identify and address barriers to active mobility like major transit corridors that are uncomfortable to cross, gaps in pedestrian walkways and disconnected bicycle lanes, as well as long distances between safe crossings.

“Upgrading efforts must also prioritise locations with high pedestrian volume and dangerous streets with recorded crashes or where vulnerable road users lack safe crossing points,” he added.