Kuala Lumpur May Open Bicycle Lanes Along MRT Tracks

There might be plans to expand bicycle lanes to reach and connect broader parts of Kuala Lumpur by placing them below Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) lines. 

The New Straits Times reports that as being the hope of mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib. He said, “Under the elevated MRT lane, there are spaces that could be used as bicycle lanes. However, we have to discuss it with MRT Corporation Sdn Bhd, Prasarana Malaysia Berhad and Land Public Transport Commission.”

This comes after Datuk Seri Ahmad alluded to the possibility of adding other routes around the city in the future during the April launch of the 5.5km bicycle path that stretches from Mid Valley City to Dataran Merdeka.

He continued, “Another track will be made possible along Sungai Bunus. The distance is yet unknown as the Urban Transportation Department is identifying possible spaces to build the lane. Safety and security should be considered.”

The push for increased bicycle use in the city is not merely for recreation, but specifically to encourage the public to actively consider it as a mode of everyday transportation – to work, for example.

Datuk Seri Ahmad also officiated the 4^th Cycle Asia Kuala Lumpur, an international event that will be held from June 12-14 at Dataran Merdeka and is expected to attract locals and foreigners to ride through Dataran Merdeka and along past the city’s heritage buildings and landmarks. So far, 4,000 participants have signed up.

“We hope Dataran Merdeka will be the main public events venue. Last year, 27 million tourists visited the city, which showed an increase of 2 million people from the figure in 2013,” he said.