PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

 

e-ISSN 2231-8534
ISSN 0128-7702

Home / Regular Issue / JSSH Vol. 30 (3) Sep. 2022 / JSSH-8387-2021

 

Promoting Utility Cycling: Prospects and Challenges from Penang Island, Malaysia

NADHRAH A KADIR

Pertanika Journal of Social Science and Humanities, Volume 30, Issue 3, September 2022

DOI: https://doi.org/10.47836/pjssh.30.3.05

Keywords: Cycling, cycling infrastructure, cycling policy, green transport, sustainable transport policy, utility cycling

Published on: 6 September 2022

Penang is arguably one of the most developed and urbanized areas in Malaysia. Like most cities typical of Southeast Asia, Penang experiences significant traffic congestion ,regularly. When the current government was established in Penang in 2008, it aimed to transform the region into a sustainable state. Among the efforts to achieve this goal was a drive towards cycling as a viable mode of transport, which entailed building cycling infrastructure, staging cycling events, and establishing a bike-share system. Despite these consistent efforts by the state government, utility cycling, or commuting cycling, is still a rare sight in Penang. This paper, therefore, attempts to assess the current situation surrounding utility cycling in Penang Island by highlighting the key factors that either enable or discourage utility cycling there. Data were collected from 25 personal interviews with cyclists and other cycling stakeholders. The findings from this data highlight key issues that will help the state government create an action-oriented path toward better utility cycling, thus fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  • Adam, L., Jones, T., & Te Brömmelstroet, M. (2020). Planning for cycling in the dispersed city: Establishing a hierarchy of effectiveness of municipal cycling policies. Transportation, 47(2), 503-527. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11116-018-9878-3

  • Aldred, R. (2019). Built environment interventions to increase active travel: A critical review and discussion. Current Environmental Health Reports, 6(4), 309-315. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40572-019-00254-4

  • Akar, G., & Clifton, K. J. (2009). Influence of individual perceptions and bicycle infrastructure on decision to bike. Transportation Research Record: Journal of The Transportation Research Board, 2140(1), 165-172. https://doi.org/10.3141%2F2140-18

  • Bakker, S., Guillen, M. D., & Nanthachatchavankul, P. (2016). Cycling as a mobility option for ASEAN megacities. Developments in Bangkok and Metro Manila and regional policy options. GIZ. http://dx.doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.10718.84809

  • Bakker, S., Dematera Contreras, K., Kappiantari, M., Tuan, N. A., Guillen, M. D., Gunthawong, G., & Van Maarseveen, M. (2017). Low-carbon transport policy in four ASEAN countries: Developments in Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Sustainability, 9(7), 1217. https://doi.org/10.3390/su9071217

  • Bakker, S., Guillen, M. D., Nanthachatchavankul, P., Zuidgeest, M., Pardo, C., & Van Maarseveen, M. (2018). Hot or not? The role of cycling in ASEAN megacities: Case studies of Bangkok and Manila. International Journal of Sustainable Transportation, 12(6), 416-431. https://doi.org/10.1080/15568318.2017.1384522

  • Brussel, M., & Zuidgeest, M. (2012). Cycling in developing countries: Context, challenges and policy relevant research. In Cycling and sustainability. Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

  • Brussel, M., & Zuidgeest, M. (2012). Cycling in developing countries: Context, challenges and policy relevant research. Transport and Sustainability, 181-216. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2044-9941(2012)0000001010

  • Castro, J. T., & Josef, J. F. C. (2020). Provision of bicycle facilities to increase bicycle commuting at central business districts in Metro Manila, Philippines. In Urban and transit planning. Springer.

  • Chiam, S. (2018, March 2). Bike-sharing in Penang a success story. The Star Online. https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2018/03/02/bikesharing-on-island-a-success-story/#d2fqYs0IcxVD18fq.99

  • DAP Malaysia. (2016, June 5). Making Penang a cleaner, green, safer, healthier, and happier state. https://dapmalaysia.org/statements/2016/06/05/23329/

  • Fishman, E., Washington, S., & Haworth, N. (2012). Barriers and facilitators to public bicycle scheme use: A qualitative approach. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 15(6), 686-698. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2012.08.002

  • Fishman, E., Washington, S., & Haworth, N. (2013). Bike share: A synthesis of the literature. Transport Reviews, 33(2), 148-165. https://doi.org/10.1080/01441647.2013.775612

  • Gozun, B. (2001). Attitudinal factors toward cycling as a transport mode for school trips. University of the Philippines.

  • Gualdi, M., & van den Noort, P. (2013). Enabling cycling cities: Ingredients for success. CIVITAS/MIMOSA.

  • Hadi, M., Xiao, Y., Iqbal, M. S., Wang, T., Arafat, M., & Hoque, F. (2019). Estimation of system performance and technology impacts to support future year planning. Florida International University, Lehman Center for Transportation Research.

  • Hashim, S. F., Hashim, H., & Shuib, K. B. (2017). Resident perspective on cycling as an option for transportation in Putrajaya. Planning Malaysia, 15(2), 97-108. https://doi.org/10.21837/pm.v15i2.271

  • Heinen, E., Van Wee, B., & Maat, K. (2010). Commuting by bicycle: An overview of the literature. Transport Reviews, 30(1), 59-96. https://doi.org/10.1080/01441640903187001

  • Heinen, E., Maat, K., & Van Wee, B. (2011). The role of attitudes toward characteristics of bicycle commuting on the choice to cycle to work over various distances. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 16(2), 102-109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2010.08.010

  • Institute for Transportation and Development Policy. (2019.) Penang green transportation plan: Final report. Asian Development Bank.

  • Jackson, M. (2014). Policies to encourage commuting by electric bicycle in Metro Vancouver [Unpublished Master’s thesis]. Simon Fraser University.

  • Jalalkamali, N., & Ghraei, F. M. N. (2012). The cycling potentials of Malaysian students in UiTM campus. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 50, 941-949. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2012.08.095

  • Kadir, N. A., Ghee-Thean, L., & Hong, L. C. (2019). An interim evaluation of Penang’s first bike-share scheme. Geografia-Malaysian Journal of Society and Space, 15(3), 163-175. https://doi.org/10.17576/geo-2019-1503-12

  • Kumar, A., Nguyen, V. A., & Teo, K. M. (2016). Commuter cycling policy in Singapore: A farecard data analytics based approach. Annals of Operations Research, 236(1), 57-73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10479-014-1585-7

  • Kupferschmid, J., Erath, A., & van Eggermond, M. A. (2017, September 18-21). Making cycling a choice mode in Singapore: Findings of expert interviews. 12th International Conference of Eastern Asia Society for Transportation Studies (EASTS 2017), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000210342

  • Lee, Q. Y., & Pojani, D. (2019). Making cycling irresistible in tropical climates? Views from Singapore. Policy Design and Practice, 2(4), 359-369. https://doi.org/10.1080/25741292.2019.1665857

  • Lim, A. (2019). ASEAN Vehicle to population list - The correct facts. Paultan.org. https://paultan.org https://paultan.org/2019/09/26/asean-vehicle-to-population-list-the-correct-facts/

  • López, M. C. R., & Wong, Y. D. (2017a). Attitudes towards active mobility in Singapore: A qualitative study. Case Studies on Transport Policy, 5(4), 662-670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cstp.2017.07.002

  • López, M. C. R., & Wong, Y. D. (2017b, June 13-16). Pedestrian and cyclists sharing facilities in Singapore. International Velo-City 2017 Conference, The Freedom of Cycling, The Netherlands.

  • Lum, W. (2019, May 14). We have the third highest death rate from road accidents. The Star Online. https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/health/2019/05/14/we-have-the-third-highest-death-rate-from-road-accidents

  • Majlis Bandaraya Pulau Pinang. (2010). Penang bicycle master plan. Buletin Mutiara. https://www.buletinmutiara.com/tag/penang-bicycle-master-plan/

  • Meng, M., Zhang, J., Wong, Y. D., & Au, P. H. (2016). Effect of weather conditions and weather forecast on cycling travel behavior in Singapore. International Journal of Sustainable Transport, 10(9), 773-780. https://doi.org/10.1080/15568318.2016.1149646

  • Milković, M., & Štambuk, M. (2015). To bike or not to bike? Application of the theory of planned behavior in predicting bicycle commuting among students in Zagreb. Psihologijske Teme, 24(2), 187-205.

  • Mohamad, J., & Kiggundu, A. T. (2007). The rise of the private car in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. IATSS Research, 31(1), 69-77.

  • Oldenziel, R., & de la Bruhèze, A. A. (2011). Contested spaces: Bicycle lanes in urban Europe, 1900-1995. Transfers, 1(2), 29-49. https://doi.org/10.3167/trans.2011.010203

  • Park, H., Lee, Y. J., Shin, H. C., & Sohn, K. (2011). Analyzing the time frame for the transition from leisure-cyclist to commuter-cyclist. Transportation, 38(2), 305-319. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11116-010-9299-4

  • Pettinga, A., Rouwette, A., Braakman, B., Pardo, C., Kuijper, D., de Jong, H., Spapé, I., Zuidgeest, M., Wittink, R., Kager, R., Schepel, S., & Godefrooij, T. (2009). Cycling-inclusive policy development: A handbook. SUTP. https://www.sutp.org/publications/cycling-inclusive-policy-development-a-handbook/

  • Pucher, J., & Buehler, R. (Eds.). (2012). City cycling. MIT press.

  • Pucher, J., Buehler, R., & Seinen, M. (2011). Bicycling renaissance in North America? An update and re-appraisal of cycling trends and policies. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 45(6), 451-475. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tra.2011.03.001

  • Pucher, J., Dill, J., & Handy, S. (2010). Infrastructure, programs, and policies to increase bicycling: An international review. Preventive Medicine, 50(Supplement), 106-125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2009.07.028

  • Reid, K., Flowers, P., & Larkin, M. (2005). Exploring lived experiences. The Psychologist, 18(1), 20-23.

  • Riggs, W. (2016). Cargo bikes as a growth area for bicycle vs. auto trips: Exploring the potential for mode substitution behavior. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 43, 48-55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2016.09.017

  • Rios, R. A., Taddia, A., Pardo, C., & Lleras, N. (2013). Ciclo-inclusión en América Latina y el Caribe: Guía para impulsar el uso de la Bicicleta [Cycle-inclusion in Latin America and the Caribbean: Guide to promote the use of bicycles]. Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo.

  • Sekaran, R. (2018, March 30). Group celebrates three years of commuting together on bicycles to work every Friday. The Star. https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2018/03/30/riding-high-on-a-successful-effort-group-celebrates-three-years-of-commuting-together-on-bicycles-to

  • Shaheen, S., Cohen, A., & Martin, E. (2013). Public bikesharing in North America: Early operator understanding and emerging trends. Transportation Research Record: Journal of The Transportation Research Board, 2387(1), 83-92. https://doi.org/10.3141%2F2387-10

  • Shaheen, S. A., Zhang, H., Martin, E., & Guzman, S. (2011). China’s Hangzhou public bicycle: understanding early adoption and behavioral response to bikesharing. Transportation Research Record, 2247(1), 33-41. https://doi.org/10.3141%2F2247-05

  • Shokoohi, R., & Nikitas, A. (2017). Urban growth, and transportation in Kuala Lumpur: Can cycling be incorporated into Kuala Lumpur’s transportation system? Case Studies on Transport Policy, 5(4), 615-626. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cstp.2017.09.001

  • Strömberg, H., & Karlsson, I. M. (2016). Enhancing utilitarian cycling: A case study. Transportation Research Procedia, 14, 2352-2361. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trpro.2016.05.264

  • Taha, N. W. (2018). Sistem perkongsian basikal: Kajian kes di George Town [Bicycle sharing system: A case study in George Town, Unpublished Master’s thesis]. Universiti Sains Malaysia.

  • Te Brömmelstroet, M., Nikolaeva, A., Glaser, M., Nicolaisen, M. S., & Chan, C. (2017). Travelling together alone and alone together: Mobility and potential exposure to diversity. Applied Mobilities, 2(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/23800127.2017.1283122

  • Terh, S. H., & Cao, K. (2018). GIS-MCDA based cycling paths planning: A case study in Singapore. Applied Geography, 94, 107-118. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apgeog.2018.03.007

  • The Sun Daily. (2017, April 9), Penang’s traffic woes, a bane for locals and tourists https://www.thesundaily.my/archive/2220949-GTARCH438113

  • Walker, P. (2017). How cycling can save the world. Penguin.

  • Willis, D. P., Manaugh, K., & El-Geneidy, A. (2013). Uniquely satisfied: Exploring cyclist satisfaction. Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour, 18, 136-147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trf.2012.12.004

  • Zhu, J., & Fan, Y. (2018). Daily travel behavior and emotional well-being: Effects of trip mode, duration, purpose, and companionship. Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 118, 360-373. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tra.2018.09.019

ISSN 0128-7702

e-ISSN 2231-8534

Article ID

JSSH-8387-2021

Download Full Article PDF

Share this article

Recent Articles