Bike lane connects small parks to schools in Section 2, 3 and 4
BY CHRISTINA LOW
CHRISTINALOW@THESTAR.COM.MY
Ameer Danial Sallahuddin, his brother Arash Imran and friend Haziq Shah Zainal cycling along the designated lane in Section 4, Shah Alam, daily. – By CHRISTINA LOW / The Star
CYCLING enthusiasts in Shah Alam will soon be able to get from one park to another on their favoured two-wheeler.
The Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) is looking at ways to connect a handful of small parks nestled in housing areas, to schools and the city centre.
The aim is to encourage residents to visit the parks, by extension, foster better relationships among the residents in a conducive environment.
With cycling gaining in popularity, Shah Alam mayor Datuk Mohd Jaafar Mohd Atan wanted to build bicycle lanes that could be utilised by both children and seasoned cyclists.
The first phase of the 10km bicycle lane project is a route constructed around a small green lung, and is connected to neighbourhood parks within Section 4.
The fully paved 2km route is equipped with road signs, a map of the park as well as sheltered huts and bicycle racks.
Although the track has yet to be officially opened, many young children were spotted riding along the tracks.
“We come here every evening to meet up and cycle together.
“It is something different and we like it,” said Ameer Danial Salla-huddin, 14.
His neighbour Haziq Shah Zainal, 11, said it was easier for them to cycle on the dedicated lane as there were no obstacles.
“We usually have to look out for each other when we cycle on roads and it is not easy as we all travel at different speeds,” said Haziq.
The second phase of the project involves an extension of another 4.5km from Section 4 to Section 3 and 2.
It will begin from Jalan 4/2 passing by Sekolah Rendah Agama Section 3 in Jalan Seraya 3/12 and Kolej Jati UiTM in Persiaran Piala Muda before continuing on to Jalan Bunga Mawar 2/5 where SMK Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah is located. The route ends at a children’s playground in Section 2.
Mohd Jaafar said the track would be routed along several educational institutions so students could cycle to school.
The final phase will see the completion of the proposed 10km track when the existing routes are linked to Section 5, Section 14, Bukit SUK and the Shah Alam City centre.
MBSA Parks and Recreational Department director Mohd Tahir Man said certain points of the bicycle lane would be painted with thermoplast for the safety of cyclists.
Interlocking concrete pavers will also be placed at crossings between one park and another.
The RM500,000 project is part of the council’s Clean Zone effort and will be completed by the end of the year.
Shah Alam Bicycle Club sports officer Jaid Idham Idris said his members welcomed the initiative by the council.
“A lot of residents here are avid cyclists but there are not many places one can cycle without having to worry about cars,” said Jaid, whose club has over 350 members.
The club members’ main aim, he said, was to promote the sport but safety was a priority.
“We hope more will start to utilise the new bicycle lanes,” said Jaid.
He was pleased with the signage and safety information placed along the track.
Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim launched the first phase of the bicycle lane in Section 4 last Sunday.
Link to my post on The New Shah Alam Bike Lane – The verdict.
Malaysia Route 5 
really hopes its extended to other towns/cities soon.
Agree, we need bike lanes for the kids (and us) to ride safely
Congratulations it looks great