Sports: Risks and Retributions

Source: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e9/Bicycle_traffic.png

There were recent campaigns halfway across the world urging all road users to be considerate to cyclists and to allow them a 3-feet radius for safety reasons. This is all beautiful and responsible and First-Worldly, but sadly we don't even have proper pedestrian awareness in KL, and I think this takes precedence before that of cyclists.

 I was a cyclist before it became a hipster sport. I used to ride to school and back using the 90s Old Klang Road, and I respected the hierarchy on the road. Cars and trucks first, then motorbikes, then bicycles. I would use smaller roads whenever I can, and would plan my route to minimize the use of major lanes and junctions. I knew I didn't have 50bhp engines between my feet and that I couldn't accelerate as quickly or evade other vehicles as efficiently as others, and ultimately I was a nuisance on the road. So I had to stay out of the way

Cycling is a sport, and like any other sport in the world it involves risks. When you take your cycling to the streets you should be well aware of the dangers involved with portholes, messy roads, motorbikes and cars. Some roads are so cramped and abused, cars and motorbikes don't have the time to be looking out for everything around them including flies, cats, and yes, bicycles. Dangers can include serious injury or even death.

I am a sport climber and I am a Crossfitter. Whenever I go climbing in Batu Caves, I don't go filing a lawsuit to the government or the bodies operating the climbing site whenever a rock falls and injures me.  I kayak and raft, I camp, I trek. I know that whenever I go for these trips I am well aware of the risks involved and I am educated enough to know what to do in the face of danger. And I don't go blaming everyone else whenever things go wrong.

But that seems to be the case with everyone these days. A few of us were just talking about this over dinner last night, that people are so ignorant now they start pointing fingers at everyone else whenever something goes wrong. This happens in the work place, in organizations, and also in the case of citizens vs governments. Nobody ever look into the mirror and try to figure out what was wrong with themselves. It's always their bosses' fault, that other driver's fault, the government's fault.

You still wanna cycle on the roads? I'll teach you a few simple rules to follow when on the road, and you'll be sure to get home safe. Every. Single. Time.

1. Plan Ahead
If you don't have an engine between your legs to keep up with traffic on the road, you're automatically a nuisance to the flow of the road. Everyone travel within a set speed range to minimize accidents caused by super slow vehicles. Plan the roads you're about to take, and try your best to avoid major highways and busy intersections. Yes because you don't pay road tax, you don't get a say. That's the hierarchy on the road and you'll do well to remember.

2. Motorbike Lanes
I know sometimes motorbike lanes are dodgy and dark, and filled with puddles of rain water and unsuspecting robbers. But try your best to use these lanes. Emergency lanes on roads are suppose to be empty for the reason it was named: Emergencies. If motorbikes use their own lanes, why do cyclists think they're special enough not to? Sure roads are wide and cars don't usually use up the entire width of the lane, but remember also the width of your bicycle is not the same as the width of your wheels.

3. Play Far Far
Putrajaya is a good place for cycling, and if Malakoff Duathlons can plan out 80+km routes within its vicinity I don't see why you can't cycle your hearts out within Putrajaya itself. Don't be smart and go cycling along Jalan Tun Razak or Persiaran Surian during rush hour la.

4. Too Risky?
Here's a thought: go cycle in your gym. If you want a change of environment, buy some big flat screens and switch DVDs every now and then. Every sport comes with its risks. If you can't accept those risks, stay home and do Sunday Morning Aerobics in front of the TV.

Seriously people need to stop blaming everyone else for everything that goes wrong in their lives. We are living in a First World Wannabe City in a Third World Country. Keyword: Third World Country. Stop selfishly asking everything from everyone around you, and start giving to the less fortunate in other states. Just because cycling is becoming a popular sport doesn't give you the right to go raging onto the streets and expect the whole world to look out for you.

If you're a tree-hugger, buy an electric car. If you can't afford a car, take the train. If you're so kiasi, go to the gym. Don't like the hierarchy, go live in China