KUALA TERENGGANU: Those with 'basikal nyamuk' (heavily-modified bicycles) should not be permitted to ride them on public roads, as they could pose a danger not only to themselves, but also other users.
Cycling coach Daud Mohamad, a respected 37-year veteran of the sport, said such there is a time and place for such activities, but public roads are not among them.
He said many of these cyclists are young and may be unaware of the dangers posed to themselves and other road-users.
“Public roads are definitely not the place for them to be, especially at night or in the wee hours of the morning, where there are dark stretches and visibility is poor,” said Daud, who is the first Malaysian Union Cycliste International (UCI)-certified coach.
He cited the example of Singapore, which he said had banned the ‘basikal nyamuk’ altogether.
Basikal nyamuk are usually regular bicycles which have been modified to feature, among other things, very short handles which would then enable its rider to assume a low racing position.
Daud, who runs the D-Cycling Training Centre, has been involved in nurturing more than 1,300 schoolchildren aged between 13 and 17 on proper and safe procedures in cycling.
“At villages and schools, we conducted ‘Tunas Harapan’ cycling clinics with the assistance of cycling associations and enforcement agencies like the police and Road Transport Department.
“This is to ensure that youths are taught riding skills, safety aspects, maintenance of their machines and to follow regulations,” he said.
Daud added that cycling exercises or training on public roads are often conducted under supervision and escort of qualified personnel.
“Our events go off without incidents; no accidents at all.
“The bicycles must have proper brakes, be equipped with lights in front and the rear, the chain and gears well maintained, and riders must wear illuminated apparel and helmets,” said Daud.
Daud’s comments came in view of a fatal accident today, which left eight teen cyclists dead when a car ploughed into them along the Middle Ring Road in Johor Bahru.
The teens, aged between 13 and 17, were part of a group of more than 30 cyclists who had come from areas such as Plentong and Skudai to ride their bicycles.
The driver of the car, a 22-year-old woman, has been detained for questioning.
Meanwhile, Malaysian National Cycling Federation secretary Ibrahim Mustapa urged the authorities to remain vigilant to deter ‘improper’ cyclists from using public roads, especially at night.
“Although there are no laws to prevent cyclists from using roads, strict enforcement can check on errant ones becoming a nuisance to other road users.
“At the same time I urge motorists to be wary and give way to cyclists when possible.
“The risk of accidents is very high at night,” he said.