So i had someone ask me why i posted this and i kinda felt obliged to myself to explain why ..
Of late it feels awesome to see the increase in numbers of people that decided to pick up a bike and start cycling. Specially during this time of CMCO its a common sight seeing groups of people cycling on the road.
Compared to when i started cycling 7,8 years ago where it was a pretty tight community and how excited i get when i see someone else on a bicycle. Today this common sight can be seen everywhere. But i will be honest that i still feel happy seeing all these road bikes, foldies, touring bikes etc on the road.
But i just feel many have forgotten or even not know some ethics or safety rules while cycling and its not just putting their lives and other road users life in danger but also giving many other cyclist a bad name.
For instance, you might think cycling into town in a big group is an awesome cool idea (well it is) but what’s not cool is hogging the whole lane and not cycling in a single file. I understand the adrenaline rush of speeding down the main roads in a big group in your tight branded cycling gear and your super expensive bikes, it does make your balls feel bigger. But imagine the other road users like the car drivers, motorists, bus drivers who are stuck behind your group. How do they feel ? They might be rushing for an important appointment and at the same time trying hard not to hit you. And when they accidentally or on purpose hit you. You cry road rage!!
Let’s not get me started about those cycling on major highways or not being on the motorcycle lanes on the highway.. seriously like seriously your not even suppose to be on them. Did you not look up basic safety rules before you jump on a bicycle?
Cyclist are starting to be considered an annoying bunch by many shop owners and residence. And honestly i dont blame these people for feeling annoyed.. during weekends many cyclist would get up pretty early in the morning and park their cars for 3,4 hours in free parking spaces around commercial centres and the curbs of residential areas. I know its free and happy your mother heart you want to park there. But those free parking spots are meant for the consumers who frequents the shops there when you take up those free spaces for hours and hours what happens to those shop owners running their businesses? Or how bout those residence that gets pretty annoyed with you filling up all the parking space around their residence. I see this often, i live in bukit Jelutong.
I wont go into all the other details like helmet, lights and bell.. which i myself at times am guilty for not having on my rides..
But where and what i am trying to get to is the fact that, when you dont adhere to the basic ethics of cycling and start annoying the other road users you paint a pretty bad name to many other cyclist. You see not everyone looks at cycling as a status symbol or a cool hobby like golf. Some people rely on their bicycles to get them from point to point. People commute to work on bicycles, people tour on bicycles and there are those who’s living depends on those 2 wheels. But by our selfish actions and drawing bad light to cycling, I fear the consequences of extra rulings, stringent laws or even the ban of my fav 2 wheels on the road.
By then it would be a tad too late to scream unjust.
So i really hope for those who are already cycling to refresh on your cycling road rules and ethics and for those who are new or just about to start to scroll up these road rules and digest them before planning your next ride.
There’s a Malay saying that goes “Nila setitik Rosak Susu sebelanga”.. dont just because of our selfish and arrogant act destroy this awesome thing that we all enjoy most, which is Cycling 🙂
So please .. Use Your BRainnnnnnnn!!
Nite :)
