Penang cyclists can now cycle at night

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng set to flag off a group of cycling enthusiasts at a car park near Kek Lok Si Temple at 7pm today.

Upon the flag off, cycling enthusiasts will cycle towards one of the most popular cycling routes in Penang; the Air Itam Dam route.

The 1.8 km route which starts near Kek Lok Si Temple leads to the  Air Itam Dam, which was opened in 1962.

The Air Itam Dam route has also become a popular place for Penangites to have their morning jog, walk, cycling, or exercise.

However the uphill road to Air Itam dam is narrow and dark at night, making it dangerous for people to use it as a recreational spot after 7pm.

Having this in mind, through the initiatives of some concerned cyclists and five cycling groups, a memorandum has been sent to Lim late April this year.

The memorandum had requested the authorities to install lights along Kek Lok Si Temple to Air Itam route, to enable cyclist to cycle at night.

Following the memorandum, the Perbadanan Bekalan Air Pulau Pinang (PBAPP) installed the required lights along the route and it was completed last month.

Penang state government has been open of its support towards healthy lifestyles and recreational activities.

Recently, the state government has introduced 90 cm-wide shared bicycle lanes in the Tanjung Bunga area for the public to try out and provide feedback. If the initiative is successful, these lanes will be extended from Tanjung Tokong to Balik Pulau.