A newly resurfaced and now colourful stretch of the motorcycle lane along the Federal Highway in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, has sparked mixed reactions from riders.
While some praise the improved visibility of the Klang-bound Subang exit tunnel, others warn that the bright red, blue and green surface becomes slippery in wet weather.
Daily commuter Mohamad Afiq Akmal Mohd Sofee, 28, said the section could become a skidding hazard in the rain.
“However, these markings improve visibility and safety,” he said, adding that such an initiative could be extended to every tunnel along the lane.
“I once had an accident near Batu Tiga in Shah Alam because the road was not clearly marked, so a colourful path would be good there as well,” he said.
Another motorcyclist identified only as Azhar said funds should have been utilised to upgrade the lane rather than lay down something he deemed as unnecessary and slippery.
“My experience riding on the Federal Highway motorcycle lane has always been harrowing because the road is uneven, narrow and very dark at night.
“Flooding also occurs frequently in the lane during a downpour,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment was commuter Abu Shantoo, 36, who urged the authorities to prioritise maintenance.
He said the budget allocated for the pavement would be better spent on maintaining street lights and pruning high-risk trees along the lane.
“The authorities should also build a proper drainage system there to reduce the risk of flooding and widen the road for safety,” he added.
In a statement to StarMetro, Public Works Department (JKR), which manages the lane, said the colourful surface was primarily designed to mark high-conflict areas such as corners and egress.
“It helps motorcyclists identify the lane to follow, especially at S-curve sections.
“The markings also alert motorcyclists approaching exits so that they exercise caution.”
However, the department said there were no provisions for coloured motorcycle lanes under two of its guidelines, namely, the Technical Order (Road) 35/2018: Geometric Guideline for Exclusive Motorcycle Lane and Technical Order (Road) 2D/85 (2019 Amendment): Road Marking and Delineation.
“The coloured path at the Subang egress is a localised surface treatment implemented based on engineering considerations and the relevant authorities’ approval.
“It is not a standard requirement for all motorcycle lanes,” added JKR.
