Temporary bike lane opens | The Star

CYCLISTS are happy that a temporary lane leading to Karpal Singh Drive has been opened along Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway in Penang.

IJM Land northern region general manager Goh Su Yin said the 1km-long lane was to replace the bicycle lane which had to be removed to widen the expressway.

“This lane connects Karpal Singh Drive to Persiaran Bayan Indah in Bayan Lepas, and ensures better distancing between cyclists and motorists.

“An improved dedicated bicycle lane and jogging track measuring 1.65km will be made available along The Light Waterfront Penang’s promenade upon the completion of The Light City development in mid-2025.

“We apologise for the delay in the opening of the temporary lane.”

Chargeman BB Gan was pleasantly surprised to find that a temporary lane had been opened, enabling him to cycle to Karpal Singh Drive upon reaching the junction leading to The Light City building site.

“I was getting bored of my usual route along Persiaran Bayan Indah in the past few months.

“At least now, I get to enjoy different views on this new route.

“I will gather some of my cycling buddies to try the temporary lane soon. We may even cycle to the Esplanade and beyond,” said Gan.

There are barriers along portionsof the temporary bicycle lane to ensure safety of cyclists.

Cycling enthusiast R. Mathevan said he would get his two sons to cycle with him next week, adding that when the previous bicycle lane was still open, they would make their way to Karpal Singh Drive weekly.

The previous bicycle lane was launched in 2012 and closed late last year before being removed. It was a collaboration between Penang Municipal Council, now known as Penang Island City Council (MBPP), and five developers.

It was part of the state government’s Bicycle Lane Master Plan to create 120km of bicycle lanes encircling the island and 80km more on the mainland.

In a StarMetro report on Jan 25, cyclists and joggers expressed unhappiness at the closure of the track which runs through the Linear Park.

The track and park have been maintained by IJM Land at a cost of RM13,000 per month for the past nine years.

The park’s ownership is shared by the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) and Penang Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID).

The front portion of the park sits on LLM’s right of way while the other half, which is a reserve for storm water discharge, is under the state DID’s purview.

The Light City is a mixed development with total GDV of RM4.5bil.

It includes a retail mall, the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre, office towers, hotel and two residential projects.