Reveal tests before reopening ‘green’ m-cycle lane, urges expert

A road safety expert has called on the Public Works Department (JKR) to release the results of safety tests conducted on the green surface used for the motorcycle lane near Subang Jaya. The move comes after several motorcyclists skidded and crashed in wet conditions while using the lane. Rozmi Ismail of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia emphasized that knowing the grip level on wet surfaces is vital to guarantee the lane's safety.

She noted that regular asphalt surfaces typically provide better grip, while materials like paint, cement, or flatter composite layers can become slippery when wet. JKR must follow strict testing protocols for new road surfaces, akin to vehicle approvals by the Road Transport Department (JPJ). If the tests validate the safety of the green surface, the JKR should disclose the investigation results; otherwise, they should halt the use of the green surface.

Law Teik Hua of Universiti Putra Malaysia added that while a road surface may meet all specifications, it might not be safe in all conditions. JKR must answer whether the new surface has been tested and what skid resistance values were obtained in both wet and dry conditions. The data should also be compared with the regular asphalt surface on the adjacent road to determine if the green layer offers adequate grip.

These findings should determine if the section is safe for motorcyclists to reopen or requires modifications.