英语时差：政府在都会区设置自行车道

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) is planning to allocate special bikeways for cyclists in major metropolitan areas. The plan will first be implemented in Taipei for a trial run, then gradually expand to other cities.

MOTC officials said they plan to designate a special route on Dunhua North Road and Dunhua South Road. The bikeway will be painted in a distinctive color, so it can be distinguished easily.

Bikers applauded the concrete step in answering their repeated calls for the right to public road networks. They have been complaining for many years about the government's inaction to build convenient networks for them, in spite of the government's goal of minimizing air pollution.

However, not all people embrace the new plan.

Motorcyclists, currently higher in numbers than those using public transport systems or bicycles, are concerned that their right to the road will be compromised because they have to share the narrow slow lanes with cyclists, and might be tempted to ride into the fast lanes.

Some experts have urged the government to spend more efforts on mapping out a sound system that can maintain the smooth traffic flow while accommodating a wide variety of transport tools in the urban areas. For example, cyclists should be encouraged to ride short distances then use public transport systems, the experts suggested.