Federal Highway Bike Lane: Moto Riders vs. Cyclists - Can They Coexist?

The Federal Highway bike lane... a blessing or a battleground? While intended to ease congestion and offer a safer route, it's sparked a debate amongst us Malaysian moto riders: Should we be sharing it with bicycles?

Some riders feel it's a safety hazard, while others believe everyone deserves a safe way to travel. Let's dive into the arguments and see what the real story is.

The Moto Rider's Gripe

Abu Shantoo, a regular Federal Highway bike lane user, voices a common concern: the lane's simply too narrow. "Cyclists often ride in groups, chatting away," he says. "I once had to honk like crazy to get them to move aside at night!"

Abu believes cyclists should stick to recreational areas, arguing dedicated lanes should be designed specifically for the types of vehicles intended to use them.

Another rider, Azhar, echoes this sentiment, adding the lane is too dangerous for bicycles. He highlights the risk of smaller bicycle tires getting caught in potholes, plus the speed difference between motorcycles and bicycles makes things even sketchier, especially with the Federal Highway's often dim lighting.

A Cyclist's Perspective

Mohamad Afiq Akmal Mohd Sofee, a cyclist who uses the lane daily, argues cyclists *need* access to the Federal Highway bike lane for their own safety.

"Cycling on the main road is illegal and downright dangerous," he points out. His solution? Widen the lane, add a dedicated bicycle lane, and improve signage so everyone knows it's a shared space.

The Need for Solutions

Clearly, there's no easy answer. But everyone agrees on one thing: safety is paramount. Possible solutions include:

• Widening the existing lane.
• Creating separate lanes for motorcycles and bicycles.
• Better lighting along the bike lane, especially at night.
• Regular maintenance to eliminate potholes and other hazards.
• Clearer signage indicating shared space and speed limits.

What's Your Take?

What do you think, riders? Should the Federal Highway bike lane be exclusively for motos, or can we find a way to share the road safely? Let us know in the comments!

By LEW GUAN XI (Rewritten for a Malaysian motorcycle audience)