Our roads the cause of most biking accidents

In Malaysia, 60% of road accidents comprise of motorcycle crashes. – The Malaysian Insider pic, July 26, 2014.It’s the last thing we want to know and probably the last to cross our mind.

In Malaysia, 60% of road accidents comprise of motorcycle crashes and to hear that a fellow biker was just involved in an accident gives us bikers more reason to be on edge, especially the new ones.  

About a year ago, an open letter was written to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak from Shamsul Liani, a blogger specialising on the subject of road safety and accidents, with regard to the construction of dedicated lanes for motorcycle riders.

This would be a very prudent choice on our government’s part but I can’t help but reflect upon the words of my fellow lady biker. It was the first time she really had a good long chat with me and she went on a tirade against reckless bikers.

I was surprised to hear her say that she was still afraid to ride to work alone despite her years of riding experience. She said: “It’s scary riding into town when some of the riders have this ‘berani mati’ attitude, simply cilok regardless of safety.”

Her thoughts reflected mine. And to think that she was a lady biker with a multitude of riding hours, my self-assurance withered a little bit that day.

In reference to Shamsul’s letter to the PM, he said road accidents encountered by bikers were not necessarily because of riders’ negligence but more so, unfriendly road conditions which pose a threat to riders.

I do agree because even as a rider, I feel the “exact” same way. How many times have I yelled out loudly to my passengers that: “Malaysian roads are accident-inducing! Do you know that? Can you see that?” Forgive my outburst for it is only out of frustration and concern that I go on a rampage.

I’d also like to add that road conditions in Malaysia are definitely a contributing factor to our road rage. I dare anyone to differ when I say that no matter which country a foreigner comes from, once they start driving in Malaysia, the road rage is infectious.

I think fixing up the roads in Malaysia would help, but I think our attitude as road users – both drivers and riders – is the first thing that needs sorting out.

Recently, it was announced that acquiring a driving licence now costs up to RM2,000. Am I disappointed? No, in fact I think they should make motorcycle licences less attainable, too, for nothing good comes easy and a wise person should know not to take for granted something that bears a hefty price tag.

The government has made some progress towards producing responsible road users but the next thing that should follow is strict reinforcement.

 It would defeat the purpose if half of our road users were actually unlicensed and not properly equipped with the right driving and riding methods.  – July 26, 2014.  

* Last week’s column is here.