Sri Lanka launches dedicated lane for motorcycles

Sri Lanka's first dedicated lane for motorcycles will be introduced in Kaluwanchikudy as part of road safety efforts to reduce road crashes involving two-wheelers, Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister Bimal Rathnayake has revealed.

Speaking at the launch of the '100 for 100' National Corporate Motorcycle Safety Programme, the Minister said motorcycle-related incidents remain a major road safety concern and require targeted interventions.

The proposed motorcycle lane, physically separated from other traffic using rubber dividers, was already designed and is expected to be implemented in the coming months, Rathnayake said.

Countries such as Malaysia inspired the initiative, where dedicated motorcycle lanes significantly reduced crash rates, he noted.

Kaluwanchikudy was selected for the pilot project due to the high number of motorcycle users in the area, the Minister said, adding that the Government hopes to expand the concept to other parts of the country if successful.

Minister expressed these remarks during the launch of the '100 for 100' programme, a road safety initiative jointly organised by the National Council for Road Safety and Hayleys Advantis Ltd.

The programme hopes to engage 100 private sector institutions where each organisation will be responsible in supporting 100 motorcycle riders through road safety awareness and trainings.