Street lights request from Kek Lok Si to AID

6 cycling club captains handing a request to CM Lim Guan Eng

Our letter to CM Lim Guan Eng

Penang, being the leader in Malaysia for promoting green, cleaner and healthier community, has encouraged many Penangites to take up cycling as a way of life. This healthy sport not only promotes family togetherness and unity, it also creates awareness among cyclists to contribute positively to our environment

In the areas of Ayer Itam, Paya Terubong, Relau, Bayan Baru and the surrounding areas, cyclists from all walks of life, ranging from competitive and “just for fun” category, use the Ayer Itam Dam as their favorite route to ride. Many say, one needs to conquer Ayer Itam Dam before venturing into more technical and difficult routes surrounding the beautiful hills of our Penang Island.

During the weekends, approximately 600 cyclists will make their way up to Ayer Itam Dam which is located 700 meters above sea level on Penang Island from the Kek Lok Si car park before branching out to various destinations like Balik Pulau, Sungai Rusa, Teluk Bahang and Penang Hill. 

There are always huge groups of cyclists ranging to 50 to 200 who cycled in the evenings as well. It is usual to see cyclists with bicycle headlamps making their way up to Ayer Itam Dam which is 1.60km in length from 7:00pm on Thursdays to Saturdays. For some adventurous type, they may even start their journey up at 9:00pm to catch the beautiful lights of Georgetown from the dam.

Unlike motorized vehicles, bicycle headlamps will not illuminate the road. Their design purpose is primarily to alert other road users to the presence of the cyclist. Cyclists are dependent on ambient or public lighting to see where they are going.

As there is no street lighting along the road to the reservoir (after Kek Lok Si temple entrance), we are in the opinion that by installing adequate lighting, it will definitely improves safety, comfort and security of cyclists and all road users as well. With lighting installed, cyclists will use this route more often and promote Ayer Itam area as their choice of cycling destination in the evenings.

We, the cyclists of various cycling clubs would like take this opportunity to thank your good office for considering our request to install adequate street lighting along the road leading to Ayer Itam Dam and hope that PBAPP can extend their corporate social responsibility by doing so to improve safety, comfort and security for all. Thank you very much. 

Participating cycling clubs:

Penang Chu Bi Chu Bi Club

FR Team

Narpies

Kacang Rider Team

Bicycle Town

Ekoraidaz