KUALA LUMPUR: There are no plans to provide motorcycle lanes on all Federal roads due to the high costs involved, says Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
The Works Minister said that a detailed study would precede any future implementations should the necessity arise.
However, he added that the government has allocated RM20mil to upgrade existing motorcycle lanes on the Federal Highway (FT002) as part of ongoing efforts to enhance motorcyclist safety.
This upgrade is part of Rolling Plan 5 under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP), he said.
"We have carried out construction of motorcycle lanes in selected locations on Federal roads for over a decade.
"These include exclusive motorcycle lanes, physically separated from the main road, and non-exclusive lanes built on widened road shoulders,” he said in a written parliamentary reply on Thursday (Aug 7).
He was responding to a question by Hassan Saad (PN-Baling) who had asked whether the government had any plans to build dedicated lanes for motorcycles at major roads due to high accident rates involving motorists.
Nanta emphasised the importance of comprehensive studies before constructing motorcycle lanes, highlighting the need to avoid new conflicts on roads with numerous entry and exit points.
"Technical justifications are essential, covering traffic volume, motorcycle composition, accident rates, and side friction scores (FS).
“Financial considerations are also crucial, given the high costs associated with construction, land acquisition, and utility relocation,” he added.
He said that the government is committed to ensuring the safety and comfort of road users, particularly motorcyclists and will study the need for the dedicated lanes to ensure the safety of motorcyclists.
