CYCLE AWAY TO HEALTH, WITH SAFETY

KUALA LUMPUR, July 29 (Bernama) -- Cycling is a healthy outdoor
activity, be it for leisure, exercise or competition. But there is a word of
caution for the cycling enthusiasts – safety.

And there is nobody who can vouch on the subject than former national
cycling champion Edwin Ng.

Cycling has been Edwin's passion since a young age and the same passion is
evident in the family as his father Ng Joo Ngan is a former national
cyclist and currently the national cycling coach.

However, two road accidents while cycling prompted Edwin to emphasise on
safety and he started relaying the message among the cycling enthusiasts.

Cycling is increasingly becoming a popular hobby among the young and old due
to concerns of environment.

But cyclists face the risk of serious injuries or even death due to falls
and accidents on the road. Often mishaps occur due to ignorance of the cyclist
and other road users on safety.

A NARROW MISS

Edwin related his experience to Bernama at his family owned bicycle shop
recently.

Edwin is now actively involved in managing Joo Ngan Bicycle Specialist shop
in Damansara Utama. There are two other similar outlets in the city, managed by
other family members.

The first accident occured while he was preparing for the 1996 Le Tour de
Langkawi race selections.

Edwin, then 19, was cycling down the Genting Highlands road when he lost
control and fell.

“It was after three or four operations that I recovered and cycled again. In
1999 I was involved in the second accident. I went through seven operations in
nine months,” Edwin, now 31, said.

“Following the second incident near the Petronas Twin Towers, where a bus
hit me, I decided to leave cycling for a longer while fearing my safety,” he
added.

HELPING OTHERS

Nowadays, Edwin not only sells bicycles but also shares his experience and
knowledge on cycling among his young customers.

He runs cycling clinics, especially on safety aspects, with youngsters whom
he refers to as his new cycling friends.

The National Champion in the teenage multi-event category for five years
since 1992, now conducts classes for children in the Klang Valley.

“I emphasise on safe riding. Wearing the right gear and making sure your
bicycle is in tip top condition; no compromise especially on its tyres
and brakes. This is mandatory to ensure road safety, as many lives can be
spared,” Edwin shared as he bent to give his cycling friend, 5-year-old Ivan
Chia, a handshake.

Ivan, accompanied by dad Darren Chia, came to Edwin’s bicycle joint with
his little 4-wheeled ‘Scud’ bicycle, for servicing as its brakes were slightly
stiff.

Darren did not want to take any chances and decided to get the stiff brakes
corrected before letting Ivan ride on it.

CYCLING COMPANIONS

Edwin’s friends frequent his shop on weekends, either for a cyclists’ chat
or to check out the latest on gears and accessories.

Mohd Yunus Omar, 36, is one of them, who emphasises on safety while riding.

“I have been cycling on a more ‘serious’ note since 2002. It sure is a very
healthy way of passing time and it alleviates the stress that I face daily.
No more burdens and emotional stress, I virtually ‘ride’ them off by sweating it
out on the road on my bicycle,” noted Yunus who lectures on 3D animation
techniques.

The writer first met Yunus in Bangsar where he was cycling in the rain and
he agreed to share his passion for a healthy lifestyle.

He introduced the writer to Edwin and an appointment was set to meet both of
them later.
“
I have been cycling for almost 10 years now. I know for sure, I am less
frustrated with unwanted traffic encounters for the day or week. More enzymes
are released by the body system that lessens negative emotions,” Yunus added,
while enjoying his ‘roti canai’ and a big glass of warm water for breakfast.

CYCLING ACCESSORIES

Having a beautifully maintained bicycle is satisfying, he added.

Yunus himself is a sportsman, in fact his whole family is actively
involved in sports.

“I started out by running in marathons. All my siblings too
have won many medals,” said Yunus while glancing at Edwin, who was
attending to another couple wanting to buy a bicycle for their little girl.

Cycling was Yunus’s hobby since a young age, but he could not afford
competition bicycle parts as they were too expensive.

This, he believes, was due to the fact that these bicycle parts were mostly
produced abroad.

Thus when he started working he bought his own bicycle, occasionally
participating in competitions and attending jamborees with other cyclists.

And Yunus made full use of that chance to share and listen, along with other
friends, including Edwin, who has 'loads' to share.

ROAD SAFETY

Cyclists should wear helmet and knee guards to protect their head and the
knees, which are mostly prone to injury when cycling.

Good, working brakes and lights for night cycling, too, are a must.

Cycling is surely a very ‘green’ way of getting oneself to the destination,
while also working out the lower part of the body, especially the calf and
thighs.

"Cycling is a healthy activity. Surely there are risks involved. I took them
and have never regretted it, said Edwin as he posed for a photo with Yunus, in
their cycling suit along with their bikes.

So get your bicycles and gears out, check them out and cycle safe!

-- BERNAMA