LETTERS: Recently, we have been hearing issues about cycling incidents on the highway. While it is good for society to be involved in healthy lifestyle or activities, we need to be alert and aware of our surroundings to ensure safety for all.
Cycling on the highway can be risky. People need to cycle on the right track because it is safer and does not cause any disturbance to or create danger for other traffic users. Therefore, following a safe route is necessary for safety.
There are several rules or safety tips that we must practice during our cycling routine:
1. Wear a cycling helmet that is correctly fitted.
2. If a road bike is used, there should be one to two inches between us and the top tube (bar) and three to four inches if a mountain bike is used. The seat should be upright from front to back. The height of the seat should be modified so that when the leg is completely extended, the knee is bent slightly. The height of the handlebar should be the same level as the seat.
3. Inspect and inflate the tires correctly before riding and verify that the brakes work.
4. Ensure that we always see and are seen and heard by other people at all times and weather. It has not been proven that wearing white makes us more conspicuous. Instead, whether day or night, we should still wear neon, fluorescent or other bright colors. Wear something that gives light, such as reflective tape or markings, or lights that flash. Note, just because we can see a driver does not mean we can be seen by the driver.
5. Be careful about road hazards such as potholes, broken glass, gravel or puddles. If we are in the lead while riding with mates, shout out and point to any danger to warn those behind us.
6. Do not ride at night as it is much riskier than during the day because it is difficult for others to see. Wear something that will be more easily noticed if we must cycle at night.
7. Go with the direction of traffic. Travel in the same direction on the right as other cars. Go with, not against, the flow.
8. Comply with all traffic rules. Obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markers.
9. Always remain vigilant for anything that could make the bikes go off balance.
10. Glance before turning. Always check behind for a break in traffic while turning left or right, then signal before making the turn.
11. Always be predictable while riding; not in and out of vehicles, but in a straight line. Signaling to others is also vital.
In summary, do not wait for an accident for a lesson about the importance of safety. A rider is fully responsible for this at all times.
Muhammad Emirfarhan Hazmin
International Islamic University of Malaysia
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times