This will encourage motorcyclists to use them, highway companies told
PETALING JAYA: The federal traffic police have urged highway concessionaires to ensure that motorcycle lanes are in good condition to encourage motorcyclists to use them, says Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT) director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri.
He said while traffic police will continue enforcement against bikers who fail to use the lanes, there could be factors that are actually deterring them from using such lanes.
On Thursday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said it is compulsory for bikers to use motorcycle lanes on highways that have them.
“We welcome the Transport Ministry’s stance on this, and we will take stern action on bikers who avoid the use of motorcycle lanes as it is an offence. However, there must be reasons why this is happening and it should be uncovered through a study.
“Is it because the motorcycle lanes are riddled with impaired road conditions and poor lighting, especially in certain areas such as underpasses?
“This may raise concern for users who may feel their safety will be compromised if they ride on these lanes. We hope highway concessionaires will look into this and take up the responsibility of ensuring the motorcycle lanes provide a comfortable and safe ride for all bikers,” Comm Mohd Yusri told The Star.
Senior lawyer KA Ramu said apart from risking their safety, bikers who fail to use motorcycle lanes may also bear higher liability if they meet with accidents with other vehicles on the main lanes of highways.
He said this could affect their insurance claims or civil suits, lowering the quantum of compensation.
“Compensation is awarded accordingly after the court evaluates which party was at fault.
“Riding on the main carriageway and being involved in an accident when motorcycle lanes are available may place greater liability on the affected biker, leading to a lower award or even fully denying them of compensation. I hope every biker bears this in mind,” he said.
Ramu, who agreed with Comm Mohd Yusri that motorcycle lanes should be well maintained, said Transport Ministry officials should personally inspect the bikes lanes and speak to motorcyclists on why they are avoiding the facility.
“I have personally witnessed bikers riding out of the motorcycle lanes after low-lying areas are hit with floods or face road closures due to construction work.
“When they are denied a smooth ride, naturally they will avoid using the lane and move into the main carriageway. This is becoming extremely dangerous as we are seeing more and more of them weaving in and out of traffic.
“The Transport Ministry should order highway operators to ensure traffic flow on bike lanes is not disrupted. Any diversions should come with a temporary lane created with barricades or cones,” said the lawyer who also undertakes cases involving traffic accident third party claims.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) director-general Assoc Prof Dr Siti Zaharah Ishak said the use of motorcycle lanes has proven to be effective in lowering motorcycle crashes by an average of 39% and fatalities by 60%.
“However, despite the benefits of riding on such lanes, many motorcyclists in the country underutilise them. This was found to be due to their concerns over the deficiencies in the conditions of these lanes, which may pose a hazard to their safety,” she said, adding that regular upgrading and maintenance of motorcycle lanes are crucial in ensuring they are safe for users.
Siti Zaharah said poor lighting can also be a hazard that contributes to motorcycle accidents.
She said based on police data, the absence of or insufficient street lighting accounted for 2.52% of all casualty-related motorcycle crashes in 2023 due to the inability to detect hazards or other vehicles in time.
