Doctor heads campaign for road safety
Movement seeks safer streets for cyclists after death of Japanese crash victim
ISKANDAR PUTERI: A gynaecologist is spearheading a state-wide campaign to create awareness on riding safely on the road.
This came following the death of 52- year- old Japanese cyclist Shunsuke Kimura.
Kimura, who held a Singaporean citizenship, died from severe head injuries on Nov 26 after he was knocked down by a car at the 5.5km mark of the Sultan Iskandar coastal highway in Johor Baru.
Dr Sharifah Shahirah Syed Hashim said the campaign pays tribute to Kimura and also seeks to prevent a similar tragedy.
She said cyclists often rode in fear of motorists, with some unwilling to share the road.
“It is about time the authorities give more focus on the safety of cyclists as cycling promotes green and sustainable living.
“There is a growing number of cyclists among the youth. So we have to look into ways to keep them safe to encourage more people to cycle,” she said in an interview.
Dr Sharifah, 40, who was an avid cyclist while living in Britain for over a decade, described cycling in Johor as a “scary experience”.
“I quit cycling after coming home. Motorists here do not understand the concept of sharing the road.
“Over a month ago, I joined a cycling group before news of Kimura’s death came,” she said.
Dr Sharifah said the incident prompted her to band together cyclists in the state to create an awareness on the importance of safety for all road users.
Cycling Club Happy Riders Connect founder Stephen Ngu, who has pledged his support for the cause, said motorists should be more mindful of other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians.
“Even with designated bicycle lanes, some inconsiderate motorists will park along those lanes.
“We want these issues highlighted and understood by road users,” he said.
Those keen to take part in the event, to be held at Sireh Park Taman Nusa Idaman on Jan 6, can register at its Facebook page Ride4Kimura.
Iskandar Puteri OCPD Asst Comm Noor Hashim Mohamad said initial investigations showed Kimura made a sudden turn towards the left road shoulder when he was hit by an oncoming car.