Training on handling high-powered bikes crucial

PETALING JAYA: A road safety expert says comprehensive training is crucial to ensure road safety as the special transition programme to upgrade existing B1 and B2 class motorcycle licences to B class takes off in October.

Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua from Universiti Putra Malaysia said the programme was commendable as it may streamline the upgrading process for experienced drivers, but there were safety issues to consider.

“Ensuring that all applicants, regardless of their licensing history, are capable of handling high-powered motorcycles safely is crucial,” he said.

Assoc Prof Law said the requirement for verification by a qualified training officer at the driving institute was a positive measure, but its effectiveness would depend on the consistency and thoroughness of evaluations.

“Comprehensive training and testing should be rigorously enforced to ensure that all upgraded licence holders have the necessary skills to operate high-powered motorcycles safely,” he said.

He also said the special programme was unlikely to lead to increased dangerous behaviour by mat rempit, as the high cost of these motorcycles was often a financial barrier for such riders.

“The combination of rigorous training and the high costs of high-powered motorcycles may mitigate the risk of an increase in dangerous riding practices,” he said.

Wheel of Charity president Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said it was a good initiative by the government as many B2 licence holders had illegally ridden motorcycles over 500cc.

“They use big motorcycles without the B licence, hang learners’ licences on their motorcycles or bring a pillion on a big motorcycle when they are not supposed to. Most of the time, they are also using uninsured motorcycles, which makes accidents or deaths not payable.

“This new programme may encourage them to obtain the B class licence and ride legally,” she said, adding that the government should be prepared for a surge in high-powered motorcycles on the road, which could lead to more accidents and traffic complaints.

“Our road and traffic system aren’t ready to manage or accommodate a big group of high-powered motorcycle users.

“Even parking spaces for big motorcycles are limited. Most driveways and small diameter lanes are suited for small motorcycles.

“Rain stop areas are also minimal and placed in hazardous locations that may cause motorcycles to be rammed by cars in heavy rain,” she said.

Using Singapore as an example, she said high-powered motorcycles were generally welcomed there as riders were more disciplined on the road, with less speeding and no lane cutting.

“To deter mat rempit from abusing the opportunity of owning big motorcycles, it boils down to proper enforcement, road safety education and a safe riding attitude,” Prof Sharifa added.

Road Safety Marshal Club president K. Balasupramaniam welcomed the Transport Ministry’s new initiative and said the RM160 price for upgrading licences to B class was reasonable.

“But I would like to challenge driving schools to be affiliated with high-powered motorcycle clubs because when people begin the transition, they will need tutorial rides from experienced riders,” he said.

Balasupramaniam, who has been riding for over 30 years, said the increase in high-powered motorcycles might be positive as most riders of such bikes often enjoy travelling long distances.

“This is good for their mental health as they get to travel and have leisure time,” he added.

He also said it was unlikely that mat rempit would transition to high-powered motorcycles as such bikes had more limitations than low-powered motorcycles.

“You can’t do many kinds of stunts on a big motorcycle because riding it is already challenging,” he added.

Another rider, Ng Hui Mei, 39, from Subang Jaya, welcomed the government’s move as it eased the cost of obtaining a B licence.

“However, I think that all individuals ought to undergo the mandatory hours as the handling of a high-powered motorcycle is vastly different from ones with smaller engines.

“Nonetheless, the merger of B1 and B is a good move as it could encourage the sales of larger motorcycles,” said Ng, who sat for the full B test without even obtaining a B2 licence first.

“Most riding schools offer both licences, so I just decided to bite the bullet and go for a B so as not to waste time on a B2.

“Yes, it was tough and there were lots of scratches and falls but after trying many types of motorcycles, I can say that handling a small motorcycle and a larger one is very different.”