Motorcycle lane
Encyclopedia
Motorcycle lane is a main term for special lane for small vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters
, bicycles, trishaw and many more.
In some parts of the whole expressways and highways in Malaysia, there is an additional lane designated for motorcycles. These lanes are usually about half the width of a normal lane on the North-South Expressway and are positioned on the extreme left side of the main carriageway for each direction of travel. These special lanes are found in Shah Alam Expressway
, Butterworth-Kulim Expressway
, Federal Highway
, Guthrie Corridor Expressway
, Putrajaya-Cyberjaya Expressway
, Port of Tanjung Pelepas Highway
and all major highways in Putrajaya
.
Motorcycle lanes have a special shelter places that provide protection and shelter for motorcyclists against heavy rains. Usually, most motorcycles are located below overhead bridges, but some motorcycle shelters may be special booths in motorcycle lane.
On Malaysian federal roads, the motorcycle lanes are placed at the extreme left side of each direction and only separated from the main lanes by black-and-white stripes to enable motorcyclists to overtake slower motorcycles and to turn right to exit the road.
Generally, motorcyclists in Indonesia are not allowed to use the toll road
s (unless a motorcycle lane provided) but to use the trunk roads instead. However, some urban toll roads like those in Jakarta
are provided with collector lanes, which also function as motorcycle lanes. Currently, the Suramadu bridge is the only toll way that has motorcycle lane and a special fee for motorcycles to enter the bridge. The government is still on hold for agreement with toll road operators and contractors to construct motorcycle lanes to follow the new law about motorcycles going to toll roads across the country. Because the rule was signed in 2009, there is still an ongoing revision including the design and modification of toll roads being widened or reduced lanes for the specially designed lame for all motorcycles and mopeds including the amount of motorcycles per day on normal highways and toll roads in Indonesia.
is only 2 m, with the design speed of as low as 60 km/h by underbone motorcycles
.http://rakan1.jkr.gov.my/cjalan/editor/files/File/Documentation/ArahanTeknik(Bookmark)/Buku%20Panduan%20RB.pdf However, the width of the motorcycle is too narrow for bigger motorcycles as well as for overtaking purposes.
Motorcyclists exit the motorcycle lane when approaching an interchange via small off-ramps. Sometimes, the off-ramps are too narrow for the motorcyclists especially for bigger motorcycles, and some ramps may require motorcyclists to stop to look for the oncoming cars before it's safe to exit the lane. Hence, motorcyclists exiting motorcycle lanes may face risks of being collided from behind.
s. The dangerous corners are dangerous for motorcyclists if they are riding at high speeds above 35 km/h.
, where motorcyclists from Klang
direction who wish to turn to Salak Expressway have to pass 2 roundabouts, several winding lanes and several tunnels, which wastes time.
and Federal Highway
. As a result, many motorcyclists avoid using motorcycle lanes and only use them during rush hours.
s have been punctured due to hitting nails at the motorcycle lane. Shortly after their tyres have been punctured, suddenly there are some "kind" men waiting at a corner of the motorcycle lane who offer help to fix the tyre tubes, but with ridiculously high price. An average price of a tyre tube for a typical underbone motorcycle is only between RM8 to RM11, but they may charge even up to RM70 http://forum3.cari.com.my/viewthread.php?tid=301224&pid=18025982&page=1&extra=page%3D1. It was suspected that they are the culprits who have actually put some nails on the motorcycle lane in order to make money easily.
Scooter (motorcycle)
A scooter is a motorcycle with step-through frame and a platform for the operator's feet. Elements of scooter design have been present in some of the earliest motorcycles, and motorcycles identifiable as scooters have been made from 1914 or earlier...
, bicycles, trishaw and many more.
Malaysia
Shah Alam Expressway
Shah Alam Expressway, SAE , is part of a comprehensive network of road links in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. The expressway connects from Pandamaran in Klang, Selangor to Sri Petaling, Kuala Lumpur. Shah Alam Expressway is the third east-west-oriented expressway in the Klang Valley after the...
, Butterworth-Kulim Expressway
Butterworth-Kulim Expressway
Butterworth–Kulim Expressway, BKE is an expressway in Malaysia. The expressway connects Butterworth, Penang in the west to Kulim, Kedah in the east...
, Federal Highway
Federal Highway, Malaysia
Federal Highway, or Lebuhraya Persekutuan in Malay is a Malaysian highway connecting the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, and Klang, Selangor. The highway starts from Seputeh in Kuala Lumpur to Klang, Selangor...
, Guthrie Corridor Expressway
Guthrie Corridor Expressway
Guthrie Corridor Expressway, GCE, is an expressway in Klang Valley, Selangor, Malaysia. It connects Shah Alam to Rawang. It is owned by Prolintas with it subsidiaries Prolintas Expressway Sdn Bhd...
, Putrajaya-Cyberjaya Expressway
Putrajaya-Cyberjaya Expressway
Putrajaya-Cyberjaya Expressway, Federal Route is a major expressway in Klang Valley, Malaysia and become the first future federal highway on Multimedia Super Corridor...
, Port of Tanjung Pelepas Highway
Port of Tanjung Pelepas Highway
Port of Tanjung Pelepas Highway, Federal Route is a highway that connects the Port of Tanjung Pelepas interchange on the Second Link Expressway to Port of Tanjung Pelepas...
and all major highways in Putrajaya
Putrajaya
Putrajaya is a planned city, located 25km south of Kuala Lumpur, that serves as the federal administrative centre of Malaysia. The seat of government was shifted in 1999 from Kuala Lumpur to Putrajaya, due to the overcrowding and congestion in the Kuala Lumpur areas...
.
Motorcycle lanes have a special shelter places that provide protection and shelter for motorcyclists against heavy rains. Usually, most motorcycles are located below overhead bridges, but some motorcycle shelters may be special booths in motorcycle lane.
On Malaysian federal roads, the motorcycle lanes are placed at the extreme left side of each direction and only separated from the main lanes by black-and-white stripes to enable motorcyclists to overtake slower motorcycles and to turn right to exit the road.
- See also Malaysian expressway systemMalaysian Expressway SystemThe Malaysian Expressway System , which begins with the North-South Expressway , is currently in the process of being substantially developed...
- See also Malaysian Federal Roads systemMalaysian Federal Roads SystemMalaysian Federal Roads System , is the main national road network in Malaysia. All Federal Roads in Malaysia are under the purview of Ministry of Works . According to Minister's Function Act 1969, MOW responsible to plan, build and maintain all Federal Roads gazetted under the Federal Road Act 1959...
- See also Road signs in MalaysiaRoad signs in MalaysiaRoad signs in Malaysia are standardized road signs similar to those used in other nations but with certada]], and Australia, alin distinctions. Until the early 1980s, Malaysia closely followed Australian and Japanese practice in road sign design, with diamond-shaped warning signs and circular...
Indonesia
Toll road
A toll road is a privately or publicly built road for which a driver pays a toll for use. Structures for which tolls are charged include toll bridges and toll tunnels. Non-toll roads are financed using other sources of revenue, most typically fuel tax or general tax funds...
s (unless a motorcycle lane provided) but to use the trunk roads instead. However, some urban toll roads like those in Jakarta
Jakarta
Jakarta is the capital and largest city of Indonesia. Officially known as the Special Capital Territory of Jakarta, it is located on the northwest coast of Java, has an area of , and a population of 9,580,000. Jakarta is the country's economic, cultural and political centre...
are provided with collector lanes, which also function as motorcycle lanes. Currently, the Suramadu bridge is the only toll way that has motorcycle lane and a special fee for motorcycles to enter the bridge. The government is still on hold for agreement with toll road operators and contractors to construct motorcycle lanes to follow the new law about motorcycles going to toll roads across the country. Because the rule was signed in 2009, there is still an ongoing revision including the design and modification of toll roads being widened or reduced lanes for the specially designed lame for all motorcycles and mopeds including the amount of motorcycles per day on normal highways and toll roads in Indonesia.
Design issues
While the design of the motorcycle lanes on some federal roads in Malaysia can be considered as acceptable, the design of motorcycle lanes on expressways is often criticized by Malaysian motorcyclists due to several issues:-Narrow lane
The average width of a typical expressway motorcycle lane such as on Federal HighwayFederal Highway, Malaysia
Federal Highway, or Lebuhraya Persekutuan in Malay is a Malaysian highway connecting the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, and Klang, Selangor. The highway starts from Seputeh in Kuala Lumpur to Klang, Selangor...
is only 2 m, with the design speed of as low as 60 km/h by underbone motorcycles
Underbone
An underbone is a small motorcycle built on a frame consisting mostly of one large diameter tubular component.The stylistic difference between a motorcycle and an underbone is considerable and they are sometimes known as "step-throughs" or even marketed as scooters in the West.The fuel tank...
.http://rakan1.jkr.gov.my/cjalan/editor/files/File/Documentation/ArahanTeknik(Bookmark)/Buku%20Panduan%20RB.pdf However, the width of the motorcycle is too narrow for bigger motorcycles as well as for overtaking purposes.
Motorcyclists exit the motorcycle lane when approaching an interchange via small off-ramps. Sometimes, the off-ramps are too narrow for the motorcyclists especially for bigger motorcycles, and some ramps may require motorcyclists to stop to look for the oncoming cars before it's safe to exit the lane. Hence, motorcyclists exiting motorcycle lanes may face risks of being collided from behind.
Dangerous corners
Every time when a motorcycle lane approaches an interchange, the motorcycle lane passes dangerous sharp corners as well as some tunnelTunnel
A tunnel is an underground passageway, completely enclosed except for openings for egress, commonly at each end.A tunnel may be for foot or vehicular road traffic, for rail traffic, or for a canal. Some tunnels are aqueducts to supply water for consumption or for hydroelectric stations or are sewers...
s. The dangerous corners are dangerous for motorcyclists if they are riding at high speeds above 35 km/h.
Extended distance
Besides risking the safety of the motorcyclists, the sharp corners when approaching an interchange also significantly increases the traveling distance for motorcyclists. The best example is the Seputeh interchange at the Federal HighwayFederal Highway, Malaysia
Federal Highway, or Lebuhraya Persekutuan in Malay is a Malaysian highway connecting the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, and Klang, Selangor. The highway starts from Seputeh in Kuala Lumpur to Klang, Selangor...
, where motorcyclists from Klang
Klang
Klang , formerly known as Kelang, is the royal city and former capital of the state of Selangor, Malaysia. It is located within the Klang District in Klang Valley. It is located about 32 km to the west of Kuala Lumpur and 6 km east of Port Klang...
direction who wish to turn to Salak Expressway have to pass 2 roundabouts, several winding lanes and several tunnels, which wastes time.
Improper maintenance
Motorcycle lanes on Malaysian expressways are often criticized by motorcyclists for their poor maintenance. Some stretches of the motorcycle lanes are flooded with puddles even when it's not raining. Some stretches may have potholes and also covered with sand which often causes troubles for motorcyclists. The lanes are also poorly-illuminated and also less monitored.Risks of robbery
The corners and tunnels of the motorcycle lanes can be potential sites for some robbers to rob motorcyclists due to the dark and hidden locations. Because of motorcycle lanes on expressways are completely separated from the main carriageways, motorcyclists have no escape routes from being robbed by the robbers. There are many reported cases of robberies along motorcycle lanes at Shah Alam ExpresswayShah Alam Expressway
Shah Alam Expressway, SAE , is part of a comprehensive network of road links in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. The expressway connects from Pandamaran in Klang, Selangor to Sri Petaling, Kuala Lumpur. Shah Alam Expressway is the third east-west-oriented expressway in the Klang Valley after the...
and Federal Highway
Federal Highway, Malaysia
Federal Highway, or Lebuhraya Persekutuan in Malay is a Malaysian highway connecting the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, and Klang, Selangor. The highway starts from Seputeh in Kuala Lumpur to Klang, Selangor...
. As a result, many motorcyclists avoid using motorcycle lanes and only use them during rush hours.
Nailing syndicate
There are reported cases by motorcyclists whose tyreTire
A tire or tyre is a ring-shaped covering that fits around a wheel rim to protect it and enable better vehicle performance by providing a flexible cushion that absorbs shock while keeping the wheel in close contact with the ground...
s have been punctured due to hitting nails at the motorcycle lane. Shortly after their tyres have been punctured, suddenly there are some "kind" men waiting at a corner of the motorcycle lane who offer help to fix the tyre tubes, but with ridiculously high price. An average price of a tyre tube for a typical underbone motorcycle is only between RM8 to RM11, but they may charge even up to RM70 http://forum3.cari.com.my/viewthread.php?tid=301224&pid=18025982&page=1&extra=page%3D1. It was suspected that they are the culprits who have actually put some nails on the motorcycle lane in order to make money easily.
External links
- Exclusive Motorcycle Lanes http://exclusivemotorcyclelanes.blogspot.com/