Again, i was up to Penang for a friend’s wedding occasion. So coincident that our good friend Lim Guan Eng recently launched the opening of the new Penang Bicycle Bridge somewhere south of Georgetown apparently. Of course, i am quite excited to check it out, since i was in Penang for years with the pathetic simple painted bicycle logo trying to indicate it as a bicycle lane. I suppose the bicycle lanes trend is really kicking in hard from various local authorities. Haven’t been to the one in Shah Alam and Malacca, but i have covered on Kota Kinabalu’s , and the pathetic Ara Damansara lane as linked. So here’s the detail for Penang’s specific 1.55km stretch as mentioned. FYI, i have round island Penang couple of times and been through the stretch of Queensbay and The Light as well but haven’t wrote about it!
So if you examine the map properly and evaluate the traffic planning. The dedicated bicycle only lane definitely serves its fruitful purpose in allowing cyclists for a better alternative. Jalan C.Y. Choy and Jalan Jelutong are indeed very heavy traffic with bus and is one of the few routes connecting across Sungai Pinang. This bicycle lane offers a diversion away from the heavy traffic.
This is the stretch along Jalan C.Y Choy. The turning to the bridge is to the left right where i am standing here. Not beyond this lane.
The stretch of bicycle lane from the entrance across some workshops before the bridge
This is upon reaching the bridge and passing under Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Highway
LED Lights
Barriers preventing Motorcyclists from Entering
3 Lanes Bridge
Overall i felt that the area is really lacked of natural shading. I wonder why the bridge does not have a roof when the existing frame design can easily support one. Nevertheless, noting on the availability of extensive LED light fittings throughout the bridge, i didn’t have the chance to visit this bridge at night to see how spectacular it may be. Honestly i did not really see many commuters using it yet. Perhaps some can be explained via TheStar article here citing that many people feel it’s too hot to cycle in Penang! Nevertheless, this is a really a worthy effort.
Please feel free to grab pictures and use it for the better of our cycling community and in support of carless Penang! Oh well i really hope for the days back then with just trams and motorless vehicles. Here is my public FB album with all the individual photos. Continue Pedaling and please do inform me if you find any interesting bicycle infrastructure around Malaysia or SEA worth to explore!
