Jiu hu cycling law explained.

[syed putra]

Cycling on Malaysian roads – do you have the right?​

A recent viral video showing an altercation between a group of cyclists and a bus driver has raised a question – do cyclists have a right to ride on Malaysian roads? Malaysian law, specifically the Road Transport Act 1987, together with the Road Traffic Rules 1959, has clear definitions on what constitutes a bicycle and a cyclist, and the applicable laws thereof.

A bicycle is defined under Malaysian law as a vehicle equipped with pedals for cycling, human powered, and able to be used on- or off-road. There are also definitions for e-bikes and mopeds under the Road Traffic Rules (Prohibition of Use for certain Micromobility Vehicles) 2021, but for the purposes of this article, we shall confine ourselves to pure bicycles.

The law states cyclists must ride single-file on roads, and this is laid out under Rule 42(3) of the Road Traffic Rules. The rule is absolute and does not allow riding abreast regardless of type of road, with failure to do so entailing a charge under Section 119 of the Road Transport Act, with a RM2,000 fine or a maximum jail term of six months.

As for riding on highways, this is covered under Section 79(2) of the Road Transport Act which states cycling is prohibited where there is a lawfully placed sign on or near any road. Any person disobeying such a sign, by driving or propelling any vehicle, who fails or neglects to conform to the indication given by the sign, is liable to a fine of not less than RM200 and not more than RM2,000.




Coming to the use of the emergency lane on highways and other main roads for cycling, this is prohibited under Rule 53 of the Road Traffic Rules. The offence falls under Section 119, and has the same penalty of a RM2,000 fine or a maximum jail term of six months.

Riding on the sidewalk is also disallowed, in case you were going to be outraged and say, “where am I supposed to cycle, on the five-foot-way, is it?”, the law says no other vehicle, other than an invalid carriage (not being a motor vehicle) or a perambulator, or a toy vehicle ridden or driven by a child below twelve years of age, shall be used or kept on a footpath. This falls under Rule 44 of the Road Traffic Rules and can be penalised under Section 119.

Meanwhile, helmets for motorcyclists are mandatory under the Motorcycle (Helmet) Rules 1973 as enacted under the Road Transport Act but Malaysian law is silent on usage of helmets for cycling. However, almost all cycling groups tend to self-police helmet usage, and usually make wearing a helmet a must, enforcing the rule, “no helmet, no ride.”

There is also Rule 42(1)(c) of the Road Traffic Rules which states no person shall ride a bicycle or tricycle on any road while holding any article in either hand. This rule is somewhat ambiguous, in which it would be an offence for you to take a sip from your bidon or eat a muesli bar, or, for that matter, record viral videos of encounters with bus drivers.

The intent of the rule would be more for not carrying an object which would adversely affect the balance of the bicycle, such as carrying an open umbrella or a bag of groceries but that is a matter for a magistrate or judge to decide. The author has personally seen a cyclist in Amsterdam riding along the edge of a narrow canal, carry a big bag of bread in one hand and taking puffs from a cigarette in the other with no hands on the handlebar, but that’s subject to discussion for another day.

Use of a bell and lights is mandatory, as is having brakes on both wheels of a bicycle. Failure to adhere to the rules for brakes and bell, Rule 42(1)(a), and, lights, Rule 35 of the Road Traffic Rules, is subject to RM2,000 fine or a maximum prison term of six months.

Other laws cover things like riding while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, reckless riding, careless and inconsiderate riding and causing death by reckless or dangerous riding, falling under Section 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 of the Road Transport Act. It should also be noted authorities are empowered under the Road Transport Act to seize your bicycle under Section 112(3) of the Road Transport Act.

The section states any police officer, road transport officer or traffic warden may detain any micromobility vehicle in respect of which an offence has been committed within his view. Something to think about when you’re riding your RM50,000 Colnago and trying to argue your right to cycle on the road to a police officer.