Under Malaysian traffic law, it is illegal for motorcycles to ride on pedestrian walkways or bicycle lanes.
Photo via Facebook (Travelwithchris)
These paths are designated for the safety of those travelling on foot or by bicycle. Motorcyclists found using them can face fines and penalties under the Road Transport Act 1987, yet the practice still persists in certain areas, especially during peak hours.
This was something that came as a surprise to a foreign tourist and travel vlogger who recently visited Kuala Lumpur. Chris, known online as Travelwithchris, took to Facebook to share a video of his unsettling experience while walking with his fiancée, Gladys, in the city.
In the video, which has since garnered widespread attention, Chris and Gladys were strolling along what appeared to be a shared pedestrian and bicycle lane beside a busy road in KL. Just moments after he began questioning whether motorcyclists commonly use such lanes, two motorbikes came up behind them—forcing the couple to quickly move aside.
One of the motorcyclists even thanked Chris as he passed, leaving the vlogger stunned.
“Motorcycles here in KL drive on the sidewalk during rush hour,” Chris said in the clip. “Oh man, that’s nuts. I’ve never seen anything like that before. It’s crazy. That’s how they beat traffic? It’s definitely not safe.”
He admitted that he “almost got hit” because he was listening to music through his earphones and didn’t hear the motorcycle coming up behind him. Gladys, too, was caught off guard.
“This is pretty dangerous. I mean, what if someone in a wheelchair was here? I’m not trying to be overly dramatic, but we really almost got hit,” he added.
Chris also pointed out that there was space between cars on the road that the motorcycles could have used instead. “I don’t think it’s the safest thing to be on the walkway, especially when you could just filter through traffic,” he said. “It really scared me. Is this common or just this one area near the KL Tower?”
The video sparked a mix of reactions from Malaysians. Some admitted that seeing motorcyclists use pedestrian paths is sadly not uncommon, though they were quick to clarify that it is still illegal.
One Facebook user said, “It happens, especially during rush hour, but that doesn’t make it right.” Another commented, “Yes, it's against the law. But it’s become a bad habit for many motorcyclists trying to avoid traffic.
Others responded with humour, poking fun at the chaotic but uniquely Malaysian road culture. “Welcome to Malaysia, bro. Sidewalk also considered jalan,” joked one user.
This raises a bigger issue about safety and road discipline in busy urban centres like Kuala Lumpur. Pedestrian lanes should remain safe spaces, free from vehicles of any kind, yet it seems that enforcement remains inconsistent.
So what would you do if you were in Chris’s shoes? Would you speak up, keep walking, or find a different route altogether?
