Road safety in Sarawak, particularly for motorcyclists, has been a growing concern for years. Recent data from the Traffic & Enforcement Department of the state police contingent headquarters shows that motorcyclists account for no fewer than 60 per cent of reported accidents.
These alarming statistics necessitate immediate and comprehensive action from the relevant authorities to safeguard this vulnerable group of road users. One crucial measure is the implementation of dedicated motorcycle lanes, especially on busy roads.
Authorities must seriously consider introducing dedicated motorcycle lanes, particularly in Kuching and other high-traffic towns in Sarawak. This initiative is timely and essential, as motorcyclists face significant risks navigating crowded roads daily. While motorcycles offer convenience and affordability, the dangers riders encounter are undeniable.
The tragic accident at KM13 Kota Samarahan-Tabuan Jaya on February 4 this year serves as a harsh reminder of these daily dangers. In that incident, a 22-year-old woman lost her life after being run over by an oil tanker following a rear-end collision with a car.
Kota Samarahan police chief DSP Jaimi Husin reported that the victim was travelling from Kuching toward Kota Samarahan when she collided with the rear of a car that had stopped at a red traffic light.
This tragedy is not an isolated case. Just last Tuesday, another motorcyclist was killed in a road accident in Kuching. The 39-year-old rider lost his life after rear-ending a five-tonne lorry on Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce.
These incidents, along with many others before them, highlight the urgent need for preventive measures — including dedicated motorcycle lanes — to reduce the likelihood of similar tragedies in the future.
Why dedicated motorcycle lanes matter
Motorcycles are inherently more exposed and less stable than larger vehicles, making riders particularly vulnerable in accidents. Many collisions occur because motorcycles and larger vehicles share the same lanes, leading to visibility issues and reduced reaction time.
Dedicated motorcycle lanes can significantly mitigate these risks by separating motorcyclists from larger vehicles, which will reduce the likelihood of collisions, and hence prevent unnecessary fatalities.
These dedicated lanes have been successfully implemented in various cities worldwide, including Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Despite initial challenges, data from these locations shows that such lanes have helped lower both the frequency and severity of motorcycle-related accidents.
Sarawak’s unique challenges and solutions
Introducing dedicated motorcycle lanes in Sarawak, particularly in Kuching, poses unique challenges, but it remains a viable and necessary solution.
Unlike the densely populated cities of Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak’s urban areas have distinct geographical layouts. Some roads are narrower, and space for expansion is limited. However, strategic planning and phased development can address these concerns effectively.
A possible approach is to integrate the motorcycle lanes into existing roads by repurposing underutilised road shoulders, redesigning intersections to include safer paths for motorcyclists, and or incorporating dedicated lanes into all new road projects during the planning phase.
Urban centres like Kuching, Miri, Sibu, and Bintulu could serve as pilot locations. Data collected from these areas would help assess effectiveness and guide future expansions.
The cost of inaction is too high.
Some may argue that constructing dedicated motorcycle lanes is costly and time-consuming. However, the cost of inaction — in terms of lives lost and the economic burden on families and the healthcare system — is far greater.
By investing in safer road infrastructure now, we can help not only save lives but reduce long-term medical and financial burdens. This in return will help improve overall road safety and efficiency.
The proposed construction of dedicated motorcycle lanes aligns with Sarawak’s proactive efforts to enhance its physical infrastructure. It supports the state’s broader development goals, including sustainable urbanization and safer, more efficient transportation networks.
More importantly, prioritising motorcyclist safety not only saves lives but also fosters a more efficient, reliable, and equitable transportation system for everyone.
Regardless of what critics may say, the statistics speak for themselves — and the urgent need for action cannot be ignored.
Dedicated motorcycle lanes in Sarawak — especially in Kuching and other key cities — are not a luxury but a necessity.
With nearly 60 per cent of road accidents involving motorcycles, delaying life-saving measures is no longer an option.
Let’s work together to build safer roads and a more secure future — not just for motorcyclists, but for all road users in Sarawak.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.
