Risky ride: A file picture of a motorcyclist using the dedicated motorbike lane. Motorcyclists say some of the bike lanes are filled with potholes and slippery stretches. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star
PETALING JAYA: Infrastructural deficiencies and poor maintenance of motorcycle lanes are the main factors a large number of bikers avoid using it, said the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros).
Miros director-general Assoc Prof Dr Siti Zaharah Ishak said according to a road safety inspection (RSI) carried out as part of a study, factors such as water ponding (following rain), poor pavement conditions, roadside hazards, sharp curves, longer travel distances compared to the main carriageway, and concerns of being waylaid by criminals (lanes with hidden corners) had led to the under-utilisation of dedicated motorcycle lanes.
“When motorcyclists avoid designated lanes and weave through traffic on main carriageways, they frequently engage in lane splitting (riding between moving vehicles). Such behaviour increases the likelihood of crashes especially when other motorists switch lanes where blind spots may exist. Sudden braking and erratic movements by both motorcyclists and other drivers further compound these risks,” said Siti Zaharah, who noted that when these lanes are upgraded or improved, the utilisation rates do increase.
Siti Zaharah said this was evident in 2023 when the usage of the lanes at the Federal Highway rose to 92% compared with 81% in 2016, after faults along the lanes were fixed by the Public Works Department (PWD).
Findings by Miros also showed that the use of motorcycle lanes has proven to be effective in lowering motorcycle crashes by an average of 39%, and fatalities by 60%.
Road safety expert Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua said motorcycle lanes that are poorly maintained will discourage usage.
“Poor upkeep can lead to hazards at motorcycle lanes. Bikers will avoid these lanes if there are potholes and insufficient lighting particularly in underpasses.
“Lanes that were built long ago have not been renovated to accommodate urban growth, at times failing to connect to main destinations, making it unsuitable for daily use,” said Law, who heads the Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Road Safety Research Centre.
Road Safety Council member Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye urged PWD and the respective local councils to step in to take responsibility for the safety of bikers.
“There must be reasons why they are not using the lanes and it is high time it be tackled quickly as accident fatalities involving motorcyclists are the highest compared to other vehicles. The solution to this is to identify the respective jurisdictions over the various bike lanes, and ensure they take responsibility,” he said.
A dozen motorcyclists, mainly e-parcel and goods delivery riders, pointed out that poor road conditions are the reason why motorcycle lanes appear unattractive.
Amir Sollehin, 33, who plies the Federal Highway daily, said he refrains from using the main carriageway, but is highly cautious while using the motorcycle lane due to potholes and slippery stretches.
He said about three weeks ago, he witnessed a fatal accident involving a biker who skidded near the motorcycle lane exit to Jalan Lapangan Terbang Subang.
“I believe the road was slippery and he ended up being thrown from his machine following a crash. He was killed at the scene. There are stretches with moss growing on the sides of the road and water puddles which can cause bikes to skid. If I could, I would rather ride on the main carriageway as it appears to be safer,” he said when met at the Federal Highway motorcycle lane near Sungai Way here.
Delivery rider Azhar Othman, 38, said the authorities need to regularly carry out inspections on bike lanes and seal potholes when they appear as even a small one could throw a motorcyclist off-balance.
Motorcyclist S. Sugumaran, 65, said he rides his motorcycle daily on the biker’s lane and travels at slow speeds to stay safe.
“With the width and condition of the motorcycle lane on the Federal Highway, riding at speeds beyond 60kph can be very dangerous. Many bikers ride way beyond this speed, and often opt to ride on the main roads so that they can travel faster,” he said.
Motorcyclists and pillion riders make up to about 65% of the annual average of 6,500 road accident fatalities in the country.
Last Thursday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said it was compulsory for bikers to use motorcycle lanes whenever they are present.
Last Sunday, The Star highlighted the need for greater maintenance of motorcycle lanes, with police and road safety experts agreeing that poor road conditions are among the factors bike lanes are shunned by many.
