NOW & THEN #06 - CLUB HOUSE-SAFETY FOR CYCLISTS IN MALAYSIA

NOW & THEN #06- Monday, 1 March 2021

Cycling Safety in Malaysia – A Critical Concern

Last night, I joined a Clubhouse discussion on my iPad about making Selangor and Kuala Lumpur safer for cyclists. The session brought together experienced cyclists, advocates, and enthusiasts to discuss solutions for improving cycling safety in Malaysia. This conversation was timely, especially given the recent negative perception of cyclists due to reckless behavior by some new riders. These individuals, often unfamiliar with proper cycling etiquette, have been seen dangerously navigating city highways, tarnishing the image of responsible cyclists.

As the ride leader of the Putrajaya Riders Club since 2014, safety has always been my top priority. Whenever I lead a group ride, I enforce strict safety protocols. No matter how well we follow the rules, we must always be prepared for mishaps and accidents. One of my non-negotiable rules is the mandatory use of helmets—no helmet, no ride.

Treating Every Ride Like a Project

As a project consultant, I approach every ride as a well-planned project. It starts and ends at the same location, but no two rides are ever the same. Traffic conditions, weather, and rider dynamics change every time.

Before every ride, I conduct a safety briefing, outlining the route, scheduled pit stops, and expected weather conditions. I remind my fellow riders to check their tire pressure, chain condition, and brakes—a routine that may seem repetitive but is essential. Proper bike maintenance can make the difference between a smooth ride and a disastrous accident. My emphasis on safety isn’t just theoretical; it’s rooted in personal experiences.

Lessons from My Own Cycling Accidents

I have witnessed accidents involving my friends, and I have personally endured three painful crashes—each serving as a hard-earned lesson in cycling safety.

1st Accident: A Costly Moment of Distraction

While riding my mountain bike (MTB) with a group on a public road, I made the mistake of waving back at someone. That split-second lapse in focus caused me to lose balance and crash into another rider. I fell hard, sustaining a severe elbow bruise and painful bruising on my lower body. Sitting down was agonizing for days—a painful reminder of the importance of staying fully alert while cycling.

2nd Accident: The "Haunted" Trail of Bukit Cabaran

Bukit Cabaran in Presint 20, Putrajaya, sits next to a cemetery. One day, while riding the jungle trails with my son, Maher, I encountered an eerie experience. As I prepared to start pedaling on a sloped terrain, my bike suddenly surged forward before I even made a move, as if an unseen force had pushed me. Losing control, I crashed onto the sandy track, suffering deep scratches on my left cheek.

That incident made me ban myself from ever riding there again. My advice? If you’re above 50, avoid Bukit Cabaran. The technical terrain demands advanced skills, strength, and courage. If you insist on going, stick to walking—but even then, caution is necessary. A friend of mine slipped on a steep slope there, fell, and fractured his backbone. He was bedridden for two months.

3rd Accident: Ignoring My Own Advice

This was my worst accident, and it taught me my greatest lesson. I was leading a ride downhill toward Taman Botani when I cautioned my friends to slow down before reaching a sharp bend. Ironically, I failed to follow my own advice. Overconfident with the familiar route, I sped downhill—only to encounter a newly installed speed bump at the last second.

Instinctively, I slammed on my brakes. The sudden stop threw me over the handlebars, and I crashed headfirst onto the ground. My reading glasses shattered, and I sustained a 7 cm deep cut on my forehead, with blood pouring uncontrollably. I was rushed to Putrajaya Hospital, where they stitched my wound. My swollen, bruised face became a painful reminder of my own negligence. After that, I took a six-month break from cycling, resuming only with a folding bike for safety.

Cycling Safety: A Work in Progress

We only truly learn from pain, and I hope my experiences serve as cautionary tales. Safety should never be an afterthought.

Countries like the Netherlands are prime examples of how sustained efforts in policy, infrastructure, and education can transform cycling culture. Decades of investments have resulted in dedicated cycling lanes, improved road safety, and an ingrained respect for cyclists. In contrast, Malaysia still lacks a structured framework for integrating cycling into urban transport. No single ministry oversees cycling infrastructure, leaving it in bureaucratic limbo—belonging to no one yet affecting everyone.

Public education and government intervention are critical in making cycling safer. My cycling experiences in Amsterdam showed me the results of 40 years of consistent improvements—dedicated cycling lanes, traffic regulations, and an ingrained culture of cyclist safety.

The Putrajaya Cycling Initiative: A Lost Opportunity?

About a decade ago, I was involved with Perbadanan Putrajaya in promoting cycling as part of a healthy lifestyle initiative. The motto back then was “Healthy Parks, Healthy People”, and we organized the Putrajaya Inter Parks Ride—a monthly event that started with just 25 cyclists. Within two years, participation surged to over 3,000 riders for organized rides, a milestone I was proud to be part of.

Today, cycling in Putrajaya is booming, with more people riding every weekend. However, it remains a leisure and sporting activity rather than a viable mode of transport. There is still no dedicated cycling lane connecting Putrajaya to nearby areas like Bandar Baru Bangi, despite the clear need for one.

The Road Ahead

Cycling must be treated as a legitimate component of urban mobility, not just a weekend hobby. For Malaysia to improve cycling safety, we need:

1. Dedicated cycling lanes away from vehicle traffic.

2. Clear regulations and enforcement to protect cyclists.

3. Public education on cycling etiquette and safety.

4. Government commitment to integrate cycling into city planning.

Until then, cycling safety remains a work in progress—and we, as cyclists, must take responsibility for our own well-being. Ride safe, stay alert, and always wear a helmet.