THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP), with the collaboration of the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA), will be organising an inaugural Penang International Bridge 2 Bridge Ride (PgIB2B Ride) 2019 on June 30.
MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said they would accept only 3,500 cyclists for the 66km event starting from Queensbay Mall to the first Penang Bridge and returning to Queensbay Mall via the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge (second Penang Bridge).
“Even before our closing date for entries is due next month, 2,500 have already registered for the event. Organising chairman Datuk Dr Lim Seh Guan has pushed the entries’ limit to 3,500 and we won’t entertain any more entries once we reach 3,500,” Yew said in his speech during the launch of the PgIB2B jersey at Komtar today.
“Those without the participating jersey will not be allowed on the bridge by police personnel. Initially, we thought of accepting only 2,000 cyclists and then 3,000 cyclists for logistic and safety reasons.
“This event is in line with the state’s aim to build a green and bicycle friendly state. At first, the event seemed impossible to be held, but Datuk Aziz (MHA director-general Datuk Aziz Abdullah) helped make it possible. I would also like to thank Paramount (Property) for sponsoring the event.”
Aziz said MHA was happy to collaborate with MBPP to hold the event which would encourage people to stay fit.
“I welcome the initiative of the state government and MBPP to build bicycle lanes and the Spiral Bridge last year, the first in Malaysia, for cyclists to use for their safety,” said Aziz in his speech.
“I’m told that MBPP, with the cooperation of G Club of Penang, has been involved with the ‘Campaign For A Lane’ (CFAL) programme for the past 10 years since 2009. So, I’m proud that we can be involved in this bridge to bridge ride to further support the campaign.
“This is a good initiative by the state government and MBPP. I fully support this kind of healthy activity and I’m glad we can be part of organising the event. I hope this inaugural programme will be held smoothly and be a success.”
Also present at the launch were working committee organising chairman Datuk Dr Lim Seh Guan, MHA Toll Monitoring Department director Idrus Mat Tais, MHA (northern region) director Mohammed Ridzuan Jahidin, Balik Pulau OCPD Supt A. Anbalagan, MBPP councillors Rohaizat Hamid and Nurliyana Mohd Ramzi.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alvie Cheng