Illustration of bicycle lanes. (The Scoop)
On March, 26, Brunei announced plans to tighten road safety rules for cyclists, including a proposed ban on cycling on major highways and the creation of designated bicycle routes across the country’s four districts. The measures follow two separate road accidents involving cyclists and vehicles over the past month, which left two people dead and another hospitalised.
The plans were outlined by Transport and Infocommunications Minister Pengiran Dato Shamhary Pengiran Dato Haji Mustapha during a session of the Legislative Council of Brunei on March 26. He said the National Road Safety Council has developed a phased strategy to address road safety concerns involving cyclists.
In the short term, the government is proposing a ban on cycling along highways and major roads with speed limits exceeding 65 km/h. Authorities also plan to establish designated cycling routes in each district and revise existing cycling guidelines.
Medium-term measures include installing “No Cycling” signs in restricted areas, updating legislation related to cycling bans and tightening regulations governing traffic offences.
Over the longer term, the government intends to integrate dedicated bicycle lanes and cycling routes into community infrastructure.
To implement the policy changes, the government plans to amend the Road Traffic Bicycles Regulation under the Road Traffic Act.
Highways expected to be included in the proposed ban include the Muara–Belait Highway, Tungku Highway, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Highway, Rimba Highway, Pengiran Muda Al-Muhtadeebillah Highway and Tungku-Jerudong Highway. Meanwhile, alternative cycling routes are being identified in cooperation with the Brunei Cycling Federation, including areas in Brunei-Muara, Tutong, Belait and Temburong districts.
The reforms are part of Brunei’s Road Safety Action Plan launched in late 2025, which aims to halve road accidents and fatalities by the end of the decade while improving overall road safety standards.
About The Author
