Cyclists ride for their ‘rights’

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SOLIDARITY: ‘Ride Of Silence’ draws a cross section of cyclists in the city.

SOLIDARITY: ‘Ride Of Silence’ draws a cross section of cyclists in the city.

For most part of the memorable outing, I rode behind a brother and sister (presumably below 15) who were on their tandem bikes, and was touched by their enthusiasm and support for ‘cyclist rights’ at such a young age. It was certainly a night to remember when an array of seasoned and novice cyclists came together to support a common cause — that cyclists and motorists share the roads — and highlight the growing number of city cyclists.

Although cyclists have as much legal right to public roads as motorists, the public — and sometimes, even the cyclists themselves — are often unaware of these rights. This is the message the organisers hope to deliver, especially with more people now taking up cycling as a recreation and even a transport option. As such, both motorists and cyclists need to play their part in ensuring road safety.

‘Ride of Silence’ first rolled off in Dallas, USA, seven years ago in memory of endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz, killed by a passing bus along an empty road.

Today, it has become an annual event, held every third Wednesday of May, with thousands of cyclists in over 300 cities worldwide taking part. According to the Malaysian Road Safety Department, 253 bicyclerelated accidents were recorded in the country in July 2009 — about 0.5 per cent of the total road accidents for the month.

Without mutual courtesy and concern for safety among the motorists and motorcyclists, that figure is expected to soar with rising popularity of cycling in Malaysia.

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