KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib hopes to build more bicycle lane along the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) tracks and Sungai Bunus.
“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.”
He said after launching the bicycle path in April, which stretches 5.5km from Dataran Merdeka to Mid Valley City, there were possibilities of other routes around the city in the future.
“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.”
He said the plan to make the bicycle paths around the city were not only for recreational purposes but also to encourage people to use bicycle as a mode of transportation to work.
When asked about the Plaza Rakyat project, Phesal said that both Kuala Lumpur City Hall and the Profit Consortium were still discussing plans to salvage the project.
“There are a few matters to be analysed, such as the technical strength and other components. There was a proposal to buy the project but it should consider the profit that City Hall could get from them and how much the developer could guarantee on the profits and so on,” he said.
He said the buyers would not be left out of the discussion and the company should pay attention to the buyers in the decision making.
He officiate the 4th Cycle Asia Kuala Lumpur that will take place from June 12-14 at Dataran Merdeka. Some 4,000 participants have signed up.
He said the international event is expected to attract locals and foreigners, adding that participants would enjoy a leisurely ride on a scenic route around Dataran Merdeka, as well as the city’s heritage building and landmarks.
“We hope Dataran Merdeka will be the main public events venue. Last year, 27million tourists visited the city, which showed an increase of 2 million people from the figure in 2013.”
Registration for the event is open until Sunday. For details, visit www.cycleasia.com.