{"id":3313,"date":"2014-01-05T17:04:09","date_gmt":"2014-01-05T17:04:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.japhethlim.com\/?p=3313"},"modified":"2016-10-26T18:22:33","modified_gmt":"2016-10-26T18:22:33","slug":"kl-car-free-day-05012014","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blog.japhethlim.com\/index.php\/2014\/01\/05\/kl-car-free-day-05012014\/","title":{"rendered":"KL Car Free Day 0501\/2014"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>\n

So I decided to abandon my lovely bed in the early morning and pull myself to the streets for this very day of car-free day. As mentioned earlier on<\/a>, the KL Mayor has announced that every 7.30-9.30am of the first Sunday of every month shall be car free across a 6km span of the road in the city center. So today’s event revealed on what really happened.<\/p>\n

\"map\"<\/a>DBKL mobilized dozens of personnel to seal off the roads for the convenience of car-free activities. Overall it is a good experience in looking at all walks of lives coming together, be it young or old, or different activities. Good to see roller skaters and also joggers, however, it is obvious that the car-free day has becoming more to a cycling day event instead. Earlier on my hope was on its potential to function just as Penang’s Beach Street Car Free event<\/a>, which truly promotes social integration.<\/p>\n

\"2014-01-05<\/a><\/p>\n

Really, Car Free?<\/strong><\/p>\n

The first issue I realized and expected is, there are buses and taxis in the car-free zone, and sometimes there are cars who entered. I cannot help but wonder that the planning itself is a close loop car-free road, where you are stating that no one in the loop can leave the area by car! On the other hand, I felt that the whole car-free aka cycling day (instead) is becoming more like a cycling competition thing, as you have a wide span of car-free road allowing you to sprint. I was expecting a cycling crowd that was more slow pace and enjoying the peaceful scene of the concrete jungle.<\/p>\n

DBKL Personnel on Bikes<\/strong><\/p>\n

The essence of ‘green’ commuting by bicycle, which is also commuting to work is to cycle moderately slow and to reap the benefits of pedaling through the vibrant city. However, Sunday has made it hard for a cyclist to really enjoy the city activities. What’s there really to enjoy about when you are cycling through rows of closed shops? Anyway, but it was a fruitful day to notice that DBKL enforcement team has its own bike team!<\/p>\n

\"CyclingSeems that it was started since last October, with 20 personnel involved. Their scope of patrolling are neighborhood area, clear enough as bikes do the job more efficient. Nice MTBs and headlamps and carrier! Am pretty sure that they are proud of their job now! Instant Celebrities haha!<\/p>\n

\"2014-01-05<\/a><\/p>\n

I am glad that a diversified range of cyclist profile attends, be it the professional bikers, or the auntie uncles, or the Alam Flora street cleaner, or young kids with their scooters. But overall here is my takeaways:<\/p>\n