Liow: Group cycling not allowed on highways
Highways, especially three-lane carriageways, are off-limits to group cycling.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the ban was imposed to prevent road accident involving groups of cyclists due to the marked difference in speed between bicycles and other vehicles.
“The ministry has been intensifying road safety campaigns with other agencies, including the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD), police and local authorities.
“We will ensure that roads meant for motorised vehicles are safer by not allowing bicycles, including modified ones, in highways as they are three-lane dual carriageways with vehicles travelling at high speed, thus increasing the risk of accidents.”
Liow was replying to a supplementary question from Datuk Normala Abdul Samad (BN-Pasir Gudang) on measures taken by the ministry to reduce accidents involving cyclists following a tragic incident in Johor Baru last month.
Eight teenagers were killed while two were in critical condition after a car rammed them at 3am. Six others were injured in the accident in the Middle Ring Road in Johor Baru. He said groups of cyclists who wished to use highways must seek permission from the local authorities and police for monitoring of the convoys to ensure their safety.
Liow urged cyclists to wear safety attire and added that parents had a role to play in ensuring their safety.
To the original question from Normala on action against the driver involved in the Feb 18 accident, Liow said: “Any legal action taken in this case by the police and Attorney-General’s Chambers will be based on the investigation being carried out.”
To a supplementary question from Datuk Takiyuddin Hassan (Pas-Kota Baru), Liow said Section 41 of the Road Transport Act 1987, which covered the offence of causing death by reckless or dangerous driving, would not be amended
He said the maximum 10-year jail sentence and a maximum fine of RM20,000 provided under the section were stiff enough.
He said the Kejara demerit system would be applied.
“Under the Kejara demerit system, we will suspend the driving licence of the offender.”
He said RTD hoped this move would cut down accident rates by 10 per cent annually.