Penang Island Bicycle Route

Penang Island Bicycle Route (13 February 2018)




Penang Island Bicycle Route is a bicycle route around Penang Island. The initiative to create a cycling route throughout Penang Island. was spearheaded by then Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) with the cooperation of five developers. The initiative is the state government's response to calls by cyclists for a safer cycling route across the island.

Phase One of the Penang Bicycle Route Masterplan involves a 12-kilometer dedicated bicycle lane on the east coast of the island. It begins at the Prangin Road-Carnarvon Street intersection in George Town, and ends at the Queensbay Roundabout. This route will be built at a cost of RM30 million.



Based on public response and availability of funding, the MPPP may continue with future phases. Already earmarked is the route from Queensbay Roundabout to Batu Maung, from Batu Maung around the west coast to end at Tanjong Tokong, and from Tanjong Tokong to the Gurney Drive-Northam Road junction. This is to be known as the Coastal Cycling Route.

In additon to the bicycle routes already planned, there are additional bicycle paths drafted for different parts of Penang Island. This includes a network within inner George Town, known as Heritage Zone, connective paths that follow the main ring roads of the city such as Perak Road/Perak Lane, Bagan Jermal Road/Gottlieb Road/Western Road/Scotland Road, Green Lane/Udini Road, one in Sungai Dua, and one along Jalan Tun Dr Awang. There will also be a network under the Recreation Zone for paths from Batu Maung to Teluk Tempoyak, from Teluk Kumbar to Gertak Sanggul, and from Balik Pulau to Kampung Pulau Betong.

I am pleased with this initiative to establish dedicated bicycle routes in Penang. I find it very dangerous for cyclists to use the same roads as motor vehicles. The creation of dedicated bicycle paths will make the activity more popular among the people of Penang.

Bicycle path across a small ditch at Bandar Seri Pinang, Jelutong. (13 February 2018)


Penang Island Bicycle Route (1 May 2015)


Penang Island Bicycle Route at the Seven Streets Precinct off Bridge Street (1 May 2015)

Updates

3 October, 2013: During a dialogue and briefing on "Sustainability, Mobility, Accessibility in Penang: Challenges and Opportunity" held at the Town Hall on 2 October, Penang Transport Master Plan chief coordinator Lim Thean Heng proposed that bicycle lanes be contraflowing to vehicular traffic, to allow cyclists and motorists to have eye contact. MPPP President Datuk Patahiyah Ismail confirmed that this idea was forwarded during a meeting she had with a number of cycling clubs.

Meanwhile, MPPP Engineering Department Director Addnan Razali stated that the 12.5 km Coastal Cycling Route will be completed in 2014.