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He also hoped that it
would highlight the need for care and mutual respect
amongst road users and at the same time create public
awareness on the right of other road users, especially
those who are exposed to accidents such as cyclists and
pedestrians.
The primary objective,
the minister of MIPR added, is to make cycling and
walking a safe and less hazardous mode of transportation
and a form of recreation that should be encouraged.
The 25km-route started
from the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium and took the
cyclists past the accident site of Brunei's latest
cycling casualty, a New Zealand woman who was fatally
knocked down by a car as she was cycling on the highway.
One of the organisers
of the 'Ride of Silence' in Brunei, Lim Boon Teck said
the recent two accidents were caused by motorists
sending text messages (SMS) on their phones while
driving.
He said, "Motorists
tend to underestimate the speed the cyclists are
travelling at. Some of us can go as fast as 30-40 km/hr
and that is actually quite fast."
It is important for
motorists to slow down when they see a cyclist on the
road. Motorists should be aware and try to give cyclists
the right of way if they can, Lim Boon Teck said.
He added, "It is
dangerous to talk on the phone when you are driving and
it is even more dangerous to send text messages with
your phone when you drive. The two accidents could have
been avoided if the motorists exercised these safety
precautions."
Some of the safety
measures cyclists should take are to always wear a
helmet, as it is compulsory, and not ride behind a truck
or lorry just to cut down air resistance. Lim Boon Teck
feels that cyclists in Brunei are more responsible but
nevertheless there are some general rules they should
abide by.
He shared with cyclists
at the ride some of the rules including wearing
colourful clothing, riding in the same direction as the
traffic, obeying the signs and traffic signals, going
for roads with less traffic, being considerate and not
obstructing traffic, not riding on the very edge of the
road and never running a stop sign or red light.
Hj Abd Rahman who has
been cycling since 2003 and also one of the organisers
for the 'Ride of Silence' mid, safety is very important,
especially when on the highway. It is because most
motorists drive at speeds of 100km/hr and sometimes even
faster on a highway and that is where most cyclists
train.
He also urged motorists
to avoid using their mobile phones when driving because
it can be very dangerous and is the main cause of
accidents. He said it is important for cyclists and
motorists to cooperate when on the road.
Hj Abd Rahman added
that he hopes activities and events such as this will be
continuously encouraged and be looked into or supported
by relevant authorities, as it is a good way to create
awareness among cyclists and motorists.
-- Courtesy of Borneo
Bulletin |
