Momentous Meeting to address Road Sense and Road Safety

Concerned and Caring individuals from all walks of life

The meeting in session

Even 2 doctors took time off from their clinics to come

Stephen, down with a cold sitting with our friendly police officers, HRC marshals and Kg Majidee representative

Not everything was downright serious. There were light moments too!

Following the horrific road accident on 18 February 2017 where 8 children were plough to their death by a car in Johor Bahru, the cycling community called for an emergency assessment on road sense and road safety. A meeting was held to address these issues besides problems posed by the Basikal Nyamuk Culture and to make a call for more bicycle lanes. The meeting received overwhelming support from several cycling clubs in Johor Bahru and individuals as well. We were most touched when Tuan Yahaya, Head of Crime Prevention & Community Safety in Johor decided to grace our meeting and even called on his officers from several districts to attend as well.

Neen, serving freshly brewed coffee

A pre warming up session on coffee tasting and appreciation was conducted by Neen, manager of Starbucks Taman Seri Austin before the meeting was called to order by Chairperson, Stephen Ngu of HRC. He thanked everyone for making the time to come for this momentous event.

On the Basikal Nyamuk (Jempol) Culture, Azwana, a representative from Kg Majidee shared first hand experience on why the culture existed and could sustain. A reach out program will be conducted later with open invitations to all riding clubs to participate. There was also a call to provide basic safety gadgets such as lights and helmets to the children.

Several issues raised were given avenues for resolve :

1. Dangerous bends, blind junctions and bad road structures such as holes are to refer to local municipalities in writing. Another alternative is to address Datuk Bandar through his Facebook account.

2. Errant motorists such as unlawful parking on bike lanes, dangerous driving and speeding are to be issued summonses.

3. Jempol cyclists seen on the road should be reported to the police. Summons issued to them may deter them from further indulging in this dangerous activity.

4. Educate the motorists to respect ALL road users. It is important for motorists to know that cyclists have a right to be on the road.

On the need for more bicycle lanes, it was reaffirmed to be within the jurisdiction of local authorities and KKR as well. Asia Cycling Network will be drafting a letter to KKR requesting for emergency lanes on the Iskandar Coastal Highway and several key roads to be converted into bicycle lanes as these are major cycling routes connecting the north of Malaysia to JB and Singapore. It was agreed that motorists will be more aware and alert to cyclists if it was highlighted to them in the form of bicycle lanes and signage. This will ensure the safety of cyclists besides promoting orderly riding practices.

The group highlighted to Tuan Yahaya the routes frequently used by long distance cyclists and tourers as well. Everyone agreed that the alternative route connecting to the north of JB, ie Jalan Skudai is too dangerous for cyclists.

The police reaffirmed that until further notice, cyclists may continue to use Iskandar Coastal Highway. However, tolled highways such as PLUS are out of bounds to cyclists.

Before the meeting was adjourned, some safety issues were highlighted:

1. Police Hotline - Take the initiative to know your locality and district. Save police hotline numbers in your phone and remember them by heart. Preach the number to other cyclists before every ride.

2. Report on any suspicious persons to prevent crime

3. Bring a loud whistle

4. All petrol station especially Shell has been briefed on what to do during an emergency. Therefore, seek help from a petrol station!

5. Download Community Alert App into your handphones. All you need to do is press the alert button and the police will return call immediately!

6. Always wear safety gears on public road.

7. Do not ride alone

8. Identify safe routes and have good road sense

9. Strava users are advised not to turn on the app from home, do not post on Facebook and do not have the habit to use the same route every time

10. Inform your friendly neighbourhood police whenever you ride out in a group. The officers on patrol will be able keep an eye on your safety.

Police Hotline

Pusat Kawalan Daerah 07-2232222

IPK 07-2212999

JBS 07-2218999

JBU 07-5605728

Iskandar Puteri 075113622