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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