Passion for cycling must meet safety measures, says Reezal

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican. - Filepic

PETALING JAYA: There is a need to strike a balance to avoid discouraging sports cycling while ensuring the safety of other road users, said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican (pic).

In a statement issued after meeting Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong yesterday, Reezal said the cycling community is growing and cycling activities have caught the interest of leaders, sportsmen and local artistes, among others.

“While we understand their passion for cycling, we must also ensure their safety and the safety of other road users, ” Reezal added.

He said the matter should be tackled wisely, so as not to curb the growing interest in sports cycling.

“We shall rope in community riders and the authorities responsible to get their feedback.

“We need to find a winning solution so as not to hinder cycling sports activities while ensuring it would not pose a hazard to other motorists, ” he reiterated.

The ministry would also look into professional track cyclist Azizulhasni Awang’s suggestion to build a dedicated track.

Olympics medallist Azizulhasni in his Facebook posting said motorists have more rights on the roads than cyclists because the former pay tax.“There must be good integration with other road users, as how multiracial Malaysians integrate with one another (to enjoy a harmonious co-existence), ” said the Rio 2016 Olympics bronze medallist and 2017 world champion keirin cyclist.

Azizulhasni, nicknamed “Pocket Rocketman”, called upon fellow cyclists to strictly abide by road safety protocols, and respect other road users.

He said riding bicycles on the road was not like playing the Saidina (the Malaysian board game similar to Monopoly) where one can repeat the game after making mistakes.“Even a small mistake can be fatal, ” he said.

He pointed out that a bicycle was relatively much lighter than other vehicles on the road.

“We feel as if we are great when on the road. But what happens when there is a collision?

“A two-wheeler can weigh 100kg the most. Compared to four wheels weighing a minimum of 1,000kg, ” he said, emphasising on the heaviness of lorries, trucks and buses.

Azizulhasni had personally advised young cyclists wheeling recklessly on the road.

“They were wheeling as if the road belonged to their grandparents, ” he said.

He advised cyclists to refrain from zig-zagging on the road and to use hand signal when turning, or when avoiding potholes and barriers.He also reminded those riding in large groups to engage an escort and to stop at red lights.