MELAKA: The creation of new cycling routes and cycling regulations would be discussed by authorities here in an effort to provide equal opportunity to electric bicycle operators and trishaw riders in the state.
Deputy Tourism, River, Beach and Island Development committee chairman Datuk Ghazale Muhamad said the state government at the same time would not stop the operations of the electric bicycle.
This as the state acknowledged their contributions in providing an alternative mode of transportation for both locals and tourists alike.
"We believe that the use of electric bicycle’s can contribute to the tourism sector apart from encouraging a greener lifestyle.
"At the moment, all electric motorcycles and bicycle services have been stopped momentarily at all areas in the city because we do not want to jeopardise the safety of the public on the roads of Melaka," he said.
Ghazale said this after launching the Volunteer Smart Phone programme with industry players in conjunction with the Jalur Gemilang campaign at the Menara Taming Sari square here today.
He adds the state was also the midst of designing suitable routes for electric bicycle users to avoid any untoward incidents.
Ghazale said guidelines and regulations would also be set by the Melaka Historic City Council (MBMB).
"We will try our level best to solve and look through all these problems in two month's time.
"Besides, we want to find a better solution which satisfies both parties (the complainant and electric bicycle)," he said.
Meanwhile, a 39-year-old trishaw rider Abdul Aziz Yusof called upon for electric bicycle operations be terminated, due to lack of regulations and safety measures.
"I still see people cycling on the road, despite a temporary ban imposed by the mayor.
"Unlike motorcyclists, these cyclists are not wearing helmets which may endanger their lives and other road users," said Abdul Aziz.
Trishaw rider Mohamed Rahmat Abdul Rahman, 28 related how his five-year-old son was injured after two tourists on an electric bicycle hit his son along Jalan Kota here two weeks ago.
"The couple lost control of their bike and slammed into my son.
"I had to rush my son to the hospital after he suffered injuries to his chest and his right leg," said Mohamed.
Ghazale also suggested that electric bicycle operators to be registered with the MBMB in the future.
"The reason why we want them to be registered under MBMB is because we can keep track of them.
"We would need to keep a hold on how many electric bicycle operators are currently in this area to avoid any unwanted complications," he said.
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