The Consumers' Association of Penang is seriously concerned over the approach adopted by the authorities in the planning and execution of transport, roads and urban development in our country.

It is evident to us that the current policy on this issue is deeply flawed and, if continued unchanged, is likely to lead to more adverse ecological, social and economic consequences.

Unfortunately, this is precisely the approach which our authorities appear to have adopted. This policy privileges private motor vehicle users at the expense of non-motorised vehicle users such as cyclists and pedestrians. No proper provision is made to protect their interests and almost incessantly, roads are being widened at the expense of pedestrians and cyclists. Consciously or otherwise, the authorities appear to be pursuing a policy which has the effect of marginalising non-motor vehicle users.

Within the category of motorised vehicle users, there has also been a bias in favour of private motor vehicle users as opposed to users of public transport. Until quite recently, there was little investment in a good system of public transport other than in Kuala Lumpur. In traffic management, the attempt to realise an uninterrupted, seamless flow of traffic by the conversion of most roads in town into 'one-way streets', without any regard to the impact of such restrictions on public transport systems and commuters, is just one more reflection of the bias.

Above all, the absence of special lanes for public transport vehicles in most towns in the country is testimony of the official view that a private vehicle with a solitary occupant has the same right of access to roads as a bus carrying 40 passengers. This attitude on the part of the government is regrettable.

This policy has to be jettisoned in favour of one of investing more in public transport and on the development of greater facilities and space for cyclists and pedestrians. In fact, all over the world, many governments which formerly pursued policies privileging private motorised vehicles have begun to reverse these policies in favour of public transport and non-motorised road users. There is a growing realisation that if there has to be a hierarchy within the various classes of road users, then it is important to give priority to these classes of hitherto marginalised road users over private motor vehicle users.

What such a policy entails is that, street planning and design should start first by defining the minimum space required by pedestrians, cyclists and public transport vehicles at peak hours before a decision on the number of car lanes is taken.

On the question of non-motorised vehicles, CAP strongly feels that the rights of the users of such vehicles must be fully protected by the provision of special lanes. Increasingly, many governments and urban authorities are, in the context of soaring fuel prices, pollution and climate change, beginning to realise the crucial importance of encouraging the use of bicycles as a mode of transport. Regrettably, in our country there has been no serious consideration given to encouraging this sustainable mode of transport.

In this connection, CAP organised a cycling campaign in Penang in November last year to promote the greater use of this mode of transport. The response from the public was overwhelming. Most participants made it clear that they would make greater use of bicycles if only there were special bicycle lanes to ensure their access and safety on the roads. In my speech during the launch of the campaign, CAP made a special plea to the authorities to 'provide special bicycle lanes which are safe for cyclists'. Unfortunately, this call has obviously fallen on deaf ears.

In addition to making special provision for cyclists on our roads, the government should actively encourage the use of bicycles as an alternative mode of transport. For a start, the authorities could declare certain days of the week as 'motor free' days to encourage citizens to use bicycles for their transport.

CAP therefore calls on the government not only to make it mandatory for urban authorities to provide special bicycle lanes but to launch regular campaigns to promote cycling.

On the question of pedestrian facilities, CAP strongly fees that all towns and cities must have spacious pedestrian walks with ample room for brisk walkers to overtake those walking at a slower speed. Not only should pedestrian walks be wide enough, but they should be free from all artificial obstructions such as advertisement props. CAP fully supports moves to plant more trees in our urban areas but such trees should be along pedestrian walks, so as not to obstruct pedestrians.

CAP also feels strongly about the need for sufficient traffic-signal-guided pedestrian crossings within every street. Such crossings must be so located that the pedestrians should not have to walk for long distances before being able to cross safely. Most importantly, all such signal-guided crossings must take into account the need of the elderly and disabled users.

CAP calls on the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Housing and Local Government and the Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Ministers' Department to give serious regard to the concerns expressed.

The writer is president, Consumer Association of Penang.