THE Penang government together with the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) are working towards making Penang a cycling haven for cyclists.
Riding on the concept of green connectivity, the state and the local council were looking at completing the 200km-long bicycle lanes as indicated in the Penang Bicycle Master Plan.
As of now, 90% or about 180km-long bicycle lanes have been completed on the Penang island.
MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said the council would continue to enhance cycling facilities on the island to provide a ‘healthier mode of transportation’ for the people.
“Penang is one of the bicycle-friendly states in the country. About 180km-long bicycle lanes have been completed, out of which 40km-long bicycle lanes are dedicated bicycle lanes,” he told a press conference at Gurney Drive today.
Yew said the 2.5km-long bicycle lane from Tesco Tanjung Pinang to Flamingo Hotel By The Beach was currently being built.
“We are thinking of how to connect the bicycle lane from Tanjung Bungah to Batu Ferringhi or Teluk Bahang as the road leading to Batu Ferringhi is quite narrow. The route is popular among the community of cyclists.
“Hence, the plan to have an Ecodeck structure is introduced. The Ecodeck will provide a safer passage for cyclists and pedestrians who want to travel from Tanjung Bungah to Batu Ferringhi.
“According to the plan, the Ecodeck will have a width of 3.5m; where 2m is dedicated for bicycles and 1.5m for pedestrians.
“The Ecodeck can either be projected as a cantilever or on stilts,” Yew added.
Penang Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said he would be requesting some funds from the Federal Government via its minister Zuraida Kamaruddin to support the Ecodeck project.
“The northern part of the Penang island coastal road is rather narrow, so we have to build the Ecodeck which is going to cost quite a substantial sum.
“The estimated cost of the 6km Ecodeck project is around RM40 million.
“The project consists of two stretches – from Shamrock Beach to Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, and another from Shamrock Beach to Flamingo Hotel By The Beach,” Jagdeep said.
He then gave an update on the bicycle lane project from Tesco Tanjung Pinang to Gurney Wharf; which is also part of the concept of green connectivity.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi