The trouble with our authorities is that they are not willing to listen to suggestions. Another problem is that when they tried something new, and because of poor implementation, what they tried failed somewhere sometime ago and they would never want to take up the idea again, even with newer technology or ideas. This head in the sand attitude is costing Malaysia.

Let us review the motorcyclists menace in this country. Of course, top of the list would be our 'Mat Rempits', followed by motorcyclists snatch thieves and then the 'hell riders' who weave in and out of traffic -- speeding and beating red lights. Right at the bottom of the list, you have the underage riding helmetless, not covered by insurance and overloading of motorcycles (five in one bike or a pile of goods behind, in front and everywhere possible).

You will notice that there are many problems this 'wonder' means of transportation can post to a sane nation. If left unchecked, we will be swamped with millions (as if we are not) of them like in Vietnam. It is not a bad form of transport but it is the way our people use it that is bad and must be regulated.

Motorcycle lanes have always be thought of as a lane to the left side of a road. This is a fixed concept in the minds of our planners, especially when Samy was our Works Minister. He tried building some along our roads and gave us because of the cost and the lack

of desire by motorcyclists to use them.

Let us look at it from a different perspective -- Can't we locate them in lanes that are more flexible according to the needs of all vehicular users? This will not only cut costs but also make them more user friendly for the motorcyclists.

If you are observant and notice how our motorcyclists ride their bikes, you will notice that they always want to be in front of any queue. They will squeeze in between cars, scratching our paintwork as they please just to be a few metres in front. If we restrict them to demarcated (better to fenced them in) lanes in the middle of the road, then they need not squeeze between dangerous vehicles (cars and lorries) that can crush them and yet be where they want to be. They have only fellow bikers to compete with.

I would even suggests that traffic signal lights be adjusted for motorcycle lanes to turn green first for up to 20 seconds (that's all they need, as their reactions are so well -tuned to shooting off). Then, the other vehicles can move off in peace. By doing this staggered timing for motorcycles to go off first, we can place them in any lane we want at intersections or along a road as they can turn left, right, go straight or make a U-turn as they like first.

By placing them in the middle of the road, pedestrians are safe from snatch-thefts. I would like to see a snatch-thief weave his way out of the other motorcyclists after he has stolen a handbag from a fellow motorcyclist. Also, women drivers will no longer be harassed by motorcyclists breaking their windows to steal their handbags from their cars. Such a move is so beneficial to all yet, after repeated suggestions to the authorities, I have decided to give up, but this is my last attempt to try to convince them that this hare-brained suggestion of mine can work.

In the town we can relegate all motorcyclists to the back lanes even. So ladies, keep off back lanes if you don't want to fall victims to snatch thieves. I think being knocked by a fellow motorcyclist will harm them less than if they collide with a car or lorry. The physical

damage to body and bike will be less and lives can be saved.

So please, road transport department, local authorities, highway authorities, etc. think out of the box and save us from this growing menace. We, car drivers will willingly crawl along less lanes to give space to motorcyclists rather than have them all over and around us as we drive, not knowing when one will bang into us from any side or rob us the next moment.

In some of our roads, removal of wide central divides should find enough room for the motorcyclists, in others; maybe we could make an alleviated path above existing roads.

Keeping them in tunnels could be another alternative as we cut down the noise they make and the pollution from their exhausts too. They cannot rob in tunnels except their fellow bikers who can chase them as easily and counter-rob them.

So please form a committee, discuss this idea and let it work. Safer drive with motorcyclists confined to safe-lanes.