PETALING JAYA: There is a lack of “sharing on the road” campaigns and dedicated bicycle lane facilities in the country for cycling enthusiasts, says the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF).
Its vice-president Mohd Saiful Abdul Jalil said there are several points that need to be clarified to the public by MNCF.
“Cyclists have the right to be on the road, as defined by rules under the Road Transport Act and we are aware of the prohibition against cycling on highways,” he said yesterday.
He added that there are six gazetted highways where cycling activities are officially prohibited.
“However, tolerance between cyclists and motor vehicle drivers is declining. There is a lack of ‘sharing the road’ campaigns and dedicated bike lane facilities,” said Mohd Saiful.
He claimed there has been a rise in threats on social media against cyclists following the recent encounter between a bus driver and a group of cyclists, which MNCF is opposed to.
Muhammad Zamir Azath, head of Grupetto Cycling & Sports Clubhouse, said he does not agree with the way the incident was portrayed on social media.
He said that almost every week, club members use the same route at the Kuala Selangor-Kuala Lumpur road where the altercation happened.
“We know that there are places where we have to ride in a single file and other stretches where we can ride in double file.
“We have encountered similar experiences in the past with RapidKL buses and we have complained through proper channels and received feedback.
“If we work within the system, other stakeholders will help us,” he said.
Muhammah Zamir said his club instils the value of humility and tolerance.
“As cyclists, we must share the road with others. Other motorists also have a right to be there. If you cannot be humble and tolerant of others, then don’t cycle.
“We tell our cyclists not to get upset when motorists honk at them because most of the time, it’s a way to communicate to the cyclists that they are behind us,” he said.
To prevent such incidents from recurring, he said the authorities and transport companies should collaborate on road-sharing campaigns.
“On our side, we want more awareness programmes for cyclists on how to cycle safely and share the road with other road users.”
Cycling enthusiasts Hazman Helman Salahuddin, 44, said it was unfair to blame cyclists just based on one incident.
“As road users, all of us need to have a level of tolerance as we are sharing the roads.
“Heavy vehicle users and cyclists need to play their roles effectively,” he said.
Another cyclist, David Tan, 33, urged the public to remain calm and let the authorities resolve the issue in a proper manner.
