IN October last year, StarMetro featured an article which highlighted the plight of motorcyclists in the Klang Valley who said they sometimes avoid the motorcycle lanes as they were not properly maintained and did not have adequate sign boards. Some of their other complaints included unlit tunnels and sharp bends at the lanes.

It is certainly good to note that the authorities have attended to these complaints and the motorcyclists are able to ride safely on the motorcycle lanes.

There are now more signboards, speed-breakers and safety elements installed at junctions, bends and tunnels and at entry and exit points of the motorcycle lanes along the highway.

Previously, the motorcycle lanes on the Federal Highway were a risk to the motorcyclists as they had sand traps, deadly curves, flooding and no speed-breakers.

The Public Works Department (PWD) has now put up signboards as one of the safety measures to curb accidents and give motorcyclists a safer ride.

StarMetro first highlighted the issue in early April 2007. After almost two years, something has finally been done to improve the conditions of the motorcycle lanes.

There are now big and bright signboards to warn the motorcyclists of tunnels, flood-prone areas and other hazards on the road and to remind them to slow down and stick to the speed limit.

Reflectors and speed-breakers have also been installed and the dangerous bends and pedestrian crossings are now clearly marked.

At several danger stretches, like the stretch opposite the Avon Building on the Klang-bound side of the highway, concrete slabs with bright yellow lines have been painted to prevent motorists from veering off the lanes into the Klang River some 20m below.

With the various new safety precautions, motorcyclists can now enjoy a safer trip to their destinations.