It’s a walk down heritage lane in Penang

GEORGE TOWN: It was a different kind of hustle and bustle along Beach Street when families came in droves to cycle, stroll or jog in what is usually a car-jammed stretch in the city's central business district. It was Penang's first Car-Free Sunday, when all motorised vehicles were declared off-limits along this and other selected stretches in George Town from 7am to 5pm yesterday. Thousands turned up at the crack of dawn for the launching of the event by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, joining him on a bicycle ride through the inner city. The off-limit stretches for motor vehicles are Beach Street (from the China Street junction to the Union Street junction), Bishop Street and Church Street (both from the Beach Street junctions to the Penang Street junction) and the whole stretch of Church Street Ghaut. “The event is another milestone in the state's efforts to go green and fight climate change,” said Lim, adding that the streets are for Penangites to make their own every Sunday. Engineer Timothy Wooi, 51, drew a lot of attention when he came with a Penny Farthing, a bicycle with a large front wheel and a much smaller rear wheel. “I made it from recycled parts at a cost of RM800,” he said. Another cyclist Mubarak Omar, 63, brought along his nearly 50-year-old bicycle. “While I have a car, I still use this bike that I bought in 1962,” he said. Children and tiny tots were also having a great time with their cycles and tricycles, with parents taking leisurely strolls. Some young people were doing in-line skating and some were doing aerobic dances by the street. Businessman Liam Goh, 43, said it felt weird to walk along Beach Street without seeing any cars. “I plan to bring my parents here next week as it will be nice for them to stroll by the heritage buildings without fear of being hit by motor vehicles,” he said. - The Star