KUALA Lumpur city folk want more and better cycling facilities in the city to promote a healthy lifestyle among the people.
Herman Shah Affandi, 42, said he noticed a growing interest in cycling which was reflected in the emergence of various cycling events in the country.
“I believe people are now more aware of the importance and benefits of living a healthy lifestyle.
“More people today understand what is global warming and what they can do to fight it.
“The people understand that every effort counts, no matter how small. This include cycling.
“However, the authorities must provide the necessary facilities for this lifestyle to take root.”
Syazana Gaafar, 35, said the authorities should also support companies such as oBike Malaysia which offers a smart bike-sharing service.
“We realise some irresponsible individuals have left the oBike bicycles by the roadside or pedestrian walkways after using the service, inconveniencing other road users.
“Instead of punishing the company by confiscating the bicycles and issuing compounds, the best solution is to educate the people through witty advertisements via television and social media.
“The government and local council should look at the positive impact made by such companies as oBike, on the environment and in reducing the city’s carbon footprint,” she said.
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Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) said plans to build the city’s first dedicated bicycle lane that would stretch 3km from Menara DBKL 1 in Jalan Raja Laut to Menara DBKL 3, Bandar Wawasan in Jalan Raja Abdullah was under way.
Mayor Tan Seri Mohd Amin Nordin Abdul Aziz said the dedicated lane might be extended by 8km.
“In order to complement this project, we have extended the permit of oBike Malaysia.
“So far only oBike Malaysia provides a smart bike-sharing service in the city, but we will offer permits to any other companies with similar services.”
Amin added that City Hall would discuss with oBike Malaysia its standard operation procedures regarding bicycles abandoned by users in a dangerous manner.