8 December 2006

Penangites to cycle?

The Chief Minister of Penang urged more Penangites to go around on a bicycle, while attending a campaign to promote bicycle riding. (The Star reports).

No doubt the intention to encourage people to cycle is indeed beneficial for the individuals as well as the society as a whole. It will certainly improve the wellness of an individual and promote healthy living. On top of that, cycling will contribute towards reducing traffic congestion and air pollution.

However, my past experiences of cycling in Penang have been scary and unpleasant. I have cycled around Penang Island in 1997 and and more recently in May 2006. Sadly, the road condition and planning certainly do not encourage cycling. It is extremely dangerous to cyclists due to the narrow road and fast-moving transports.

If the government is serious about encouraging cycling, then building more bicycle parking certainly is not the solution. Parking for bicycle was never a consideration for cyclist. It is the safety that the general public is concerned with. Surprising, cycling was more a pleasant experience in Singapore compared to Penang. It was pleasant due to the fact that I could cycle on the pavement (although I was told it might be illegal but everyone seems to be doing it) along roads and highways, which I do not need to worry about all the fast-moving vehicles.

There were several measures that the local government could take to encourage cycling rather than building more bicycle parking:
1) Building more pedestrian and cycling paths; and
2) Removing unnecessary barriers and leveled certain part of the curb for cyclists to cycle along the pavement

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

HI CD, you have interesting views and perspectives.

In an earlier post you had mentioned that you were a student.

Just a general comment.

You must read your post several times before you decide to publish it. Just try. It helps.

You have interesting views. You will be able to convey them better if you re-read what you have written.

What happens is, when you read the post again and again you do not make typos or it gives you a chance to correct the grammar. For example read this post again you will be able to notice simple mistakes in grammar.

@@go around on [a] bicycle.

@@it [will] certainly improve the wellness of [an] individual and promote healthy living

@@my past experiences was [change to have been] scary and unpleasant

@@ it is safety that the general public is concen [ concerned with]

I do not mean to knit-pick however, you are a man of great views and ideas. You must try to express them better. All the best !

Anonymous said...

interesting. in vietnam its even worse !

CD said...

Grammar Guy,
Thanks for highlighting my mistakes. I really appreciate your comment to re-read it again and again.Will try to do so in the future.
Thank you.