Compiled by KHOO JIAN TENG, C.ARUNO and R. ARAVINTHAN
MORE than 60 cyclists celebrated National Day month with a nostalgic ride through Balik Pulau, recreating the charm of the 1950s when bicycles were a common mode of transport.
Held under the theme “Balik Kampung”, the ride covered more than 7km through paddy fields, Pantai Malindo, lush hills and mangrove areas, bringing together participants of different ages and backgrounds.
Pertubuhan Wanita Prihatin Pulau Pinang vice-president Aswirna Sukur said the programme aimed to recreate the kampung atmosphere while promoting unity and patriotism.
“We hope to revive the kampung atmosphere and foster a sense of togetherness and patriotism among the community,” said Aswirna.
She added that the ride also gave participants an opportunity to appreciate how communities had changed as urbanisation transformed many villages into modern townships.
Among the participants were bicycle shop owner Adam Malik, 58, who rode a 1952 Raleigh made in England and decorated with the Jalur Gemilang.
He said he had acquired the bicycle from another collector about 20 years ago and had kept it in good condition through careful maintenance.
“Riding it feels like travelling through a time capsule.
“Bicycles were once an important form of transport and a symbol of status during the colonial and post-independence eras,” said Adam, who is also an antique bicycle collector.
English teacher Nurazlin Azhari, 26, said she thoroughly enjoyed exploring parts of Balik Pulau by bicycle.
Dressed in traditional attire, she also decorated her bicycle in a classic retro theme, winning the Best Women’s Outfit and Best Bicycle prizes.
For cycling enthusiast Iwen Tang, 43, the ride carried a deeper message about appreciating the peace, harmony and prosperity Malaysians enjoy today.
“I felt incredibly proud riding a bicycle decorated with the Jalur Gemilang.
“Everyone was sending the same message – that we love our country, Malaysia.”
(The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a >, it denotes a separate news item.)
