A motorcyclist riding a motorcycle on the bicycle lane in Kuala Lumpur, January 22, 2018. — Bernama pic

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 22 — The Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) today removed the rubber bicycle lane separators in the city centre as it has been claimed to endanger motorcyclists.

DBKL project management executive director Datuk Mahadi Che Ngah said DBKL was mulling over installing a more ‘flexible’ barrier along the 11.9km bicycle route.

However, he said rubber separators installed previously were in accordance with international standards, as adopted in other countries.

“DBKL will review this matter based on suggestions and protests from road users. We will find the best possible solution for the safety of road users.

“In addition, DBKL will also ensure the surface of the bicycle lane is in safe condition before it is officially opened to cyclists,” Mahadi told reporters after the launch of the SkyWorld Quality Centre officiated by Federal Territories Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor here today.

He said the first phase of the bicycle route made by DBKL was to provide an alternative to people who opted to cycle in the city centre.

“The first phase starts from the DBKL headquarters in Jalan Raja Laut, and passes through Jalan Sultan Ismail until the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre and returns to Jalan Sultan Ismail via Medan Pasar and Dataran Merdeka,” he said.

He added the route would be extended to other areas as far as Wangsa Maju and around Kuala Lumpur if the first phase was deemed successful.

Recently, pictures of a motorcyclist involved in an accident near the bicycle lane had gone viral on social media, raising questions among netizens on the viability of the project. — Bernama