Chow (centre) and other cyclists at the start of Ride for Sight 2023.
TANDEM biking opened up a whole new world of sensory exploration for the visually impaired at the Ride for Sight 2023.
Assisted by sighted riders on tandem bicycles, the group of about 100 participants took off from Queensbay Mall and pedalled for 20km to promote the inclusion of visually impaired individuals in the community.
The programme organised by St Nicholas’ Home was also meant to foster understanding and reduce social stigma.
Environmental, social and governance manager Hazel Wong from Aemulus, which helped planned the event, said the event with the tagline “Be my eyes, lead the path” was to introduce the visually impaired community to the joys of cycling.
Visually impaired participants enjoying the ride on tandem bicycles with their sighted partners.
“We also take this opportunity to break down barriers in the community,” she said in her speech.
“For most of us, cycling is an activity we take for granted. But for the visually impaired, it is a privilege. I hope more people will share the gift of sight with those in need,” she added.
Caretaker Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow told Buletin Mutiara that the state government reaffirmed its commitment towards the well-being of the visually impaired community.
“We understand the importance of accessible facilities which can allow them to navigate our city with ease.
“We are working on making public spaces including sidewalks, transport systems and buildings accessible to all.
“We have implemented tactile paving, audible pedestrian signals, and other technologies to ensure that visually impaired individuals can move around independently and safely,” said Chow.
He added that the state also encouraged the private sector to invest in accessibility upgrades.
Among those present at the event were Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, incumbent Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, incumbent Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai and St Nicholas’ Home board of directors chairman Rev Dr Stephen Soe.
