Night cycling is highly risky - PKBM

The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (PKBM) has advised all cycling enthusiasts, especially the young people, not to ride at night as the risk of being involved in accident is very high.

PKBM secretary-general Ibrahim Mustapa said despite being equipped with safety gear and reflective vests and helmets, the risk remained as high.

"Naturally, there will be less light at night, and human's visibility will be limited and that factor alone can be the main cause of road accident.

"Night is also the time when most people return home from work, tired and sleepy. So, it is not a good time for cycling activity, let alone on the road," he told Bernama, when contacted, here Saturday.

He said cycling enthusiasts, especially the young people, should be aware of these things to prevent untoward incidents.

Ibrahim said this in response to the 3am cycling mishap at Jalan Lingkaran Dalam here that claimed the lives of eight teenagers on Saturday.

"Yes, we cannot stop the teenagers from being teenagers, but we can propose to the federal and state governments to create special places for them to engage themselves in their outdoor activities.

"At the same time, motorists must stay focus and alert of their surroundings, regardless of time. They must always be considerate of other people," he explained.

Ibrahim said road cycling should be carried out in areas with no traffic.

"We don't encourage our members to ride at night. If the need arises, we will carry out the activity at velodrome or cycling track, not on the road," he added. -- Bernama