A cycling lane will be built along the Tun Abdul Rahman Yaakub Road in Petra Jaya to meet the growing popularity of cycling among the people of Kuching.

According to Minister of Housing and Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, the 7km route will be built very soon.

“We want cyclists to feel safe when they cycle around the city and the first phase of the cycling lane route will be around 7km,” said Abang Johari.

He was speaking at the Pantai Damai Cycling Festival at SMK Bandar Samariang yesterday.

“The second phase will follow upon the completion of the first phase. It will focus on constructing cycling lanes in housing areas,” he added.

Stressing that focus should be given to housing areas, he said better facilities would further boost the popularity of cycling among the people of Kuching, which ultimately would turn the city into a healthy and green place.

Earlier on, Pantai Damai assemblyman Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi in his speech urged Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) to build more cycling lanes.

“With more people involved in this activity, especially families, it will not only be just a form of exercise but a medium for the whole family to be together in a healthy way,” he said.

Around 300 cyclists participated in the event yesterday which saw them touring around Bandar Baru Samariang, covering a distance of 8.2 km.

Also joining them was DBKU commissioner Datuk Abang Abdul Wahap Julai.