PJ
Mall holds 'safe cycling' programme
New Straits Times Wednesday, June 11, 2003
To create road safety awareness among schoolchildren, a Cycle Safely
programme was recently launched at The Atria Shopping Complex in
Damansara Jaya, Petaling Jaya.
The event was officiated by Petaling
Jaya Utara MP Chew Mei Fun.
Besides trying to inculcate road safety awareness among
schoolchildren, the programme is also aimed at teaching them correct
cycling skills and to be defensive road users.
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HERE WE GO :
Chew (centre) surrounded by Rumah Destiny
children during the launch of the programme. |
"The country's rapid development.
coupled with bad road conditions and traffic congestion, has made it
unsuitable for people, let alone children, to cycle around.
"Due to these conditions cost thousands
of lives each year and accidents involving cyclists rank third after
motorcycle and car accidents in Malaysia.
"In 2001, there were 244 fatalities
involving cyclists and last year, the figure rose to 288. Therefore,
there is an urgent need to address this problem and we hope that
parents will also play a major part in educating their children on
road safety," said Chew.
During
the event, organised by Atria Properties Sdn Bhd with the
co-operation of the Malaysian Volunteer Fire And Rescue Association
and LeRun Industries Sdn Bhd, children were given tips on how to
prevent getting involved in road accidents, the common causes of
accidents and correct way of cycling by members of the volunteer
association.
"Nowadays, you
have fewer children cycling to school and the activity is moslty a
recreational form of exercise.
"The number of people keen on the sport does not justify the
construction of special lanes for cyclists.
"We are pleased with the response to
this half-day programme," said Atria Properties complex manager
Katherine Puar.
About 20
children from Rumah Destiny in Taman Melawati, Kuala Lumpur, also
took part in the event.
