Cyclists from across the country set out on a ‘motorist awareness ride’ to drive home the importance of care and consideration for all road-users after a horrific accident last weekend which left riders badly shaken, injured and in hospital.
The 20km ‘Protect Cyclists on the Streets’ event kicked off early this morning at Al Fateh Street on a trek to and from Bahrain Fort in a bid to highlight the issue.
“The ride aims to spread awareness about cycling safety issues, as well as alerting executives and legislators to the plight of cyclists on the streets of Bahrain,” said Dr Jamal Saleh, a senior orthopaedic surgeon heading the mountain biking committee at the Bahrain Cycling Association.
The cycling enthusiast and a former legislator teaches doctors the principles of managing seriously injured victims of road traffic accidents.
The initiative was conceptualised after a number of cyclists were injured last weekend when they were involved in a collision with a tanker truck.
“What was supposed to be a fun collaborative ride last Friday with Bahrain Al Kheelan Group and Pinoy Bikers Bahrain-Premium Group ended in a traumatic incident,” said Pinoy biker Roel Almendra, a 50-year-old IT professional from Manama.
“All of us cyclists know that every ride could be accompanied by unexpected circumstances no matter how careful we are.”
According to Regie Dalupang, who was hurt in the incident, a group of 50 cyclists were riding their road bikes in peloton style – which is when a group of riders cycle in a pack formation – in Riffa at 5.45am on Shaikh Salman Highway heading towards Awali.
One of the riders, in sixth place from the front of the peloton, struck a road reflector which caused him to fall resulting in a domino effect with more than 20 cyclists tumbling to the ground.
Quick-witted cyclists Benjamin Pilorin Jr (known to all as Jr) and Mr Dalupang changed lanes to avoid their fallen comrades when the incident involving the truck occurred.
“Fortunately I managed to avoid being run over by the wheel of the truck,” Mr Dalupang explained. “Jr though was not so lucky, he fell and rolled under the vehicle.
“The truck dragged him for more than five metres causing serious injuries,” added Mr Dalupang.
“Jr was rushed to BDF Hospital. He is now in stable condition but needs another surgery and I’m recuperating from my injuries.”
Moments earlier, fellow cyclist Dr Mahmoud Alfaqih was knocked over too after being struck a glancing blow by one of the truck’s side mirrors.
“Two cyclists at the back of the peloton had actually shouted to the truck driver to slow down when he was passing to alert him of the pile up ahead,” added Mr Dalupang. “It appears the trucker was using a mobile phone while driving.
“If the driver had been more focused on the road ahead perhaps he would have stopped or at least slowed down allowing the cyclists to get to a safe space on the road. Tragic accidents can be avoided.”
Support for the stricken riders has come from across the community.
German expatriate Kai Miethig, a well-known environmental campaigner and keen cyclist, had been floored by a pick-up truck three years ago and has long urged drivers to put their phones down and keep a safe distance from cyclists.
“Cyclists are always in fear as vehicles rarely keep sufficient distance away or because motorists are distracted on their phone,” said Mr Miethig.
“The fear of getting hit is always there, the risk of dying or getting injured is always present. Drivers, please keep a safe distance when approaching and overtaking cyclists and, as most roads have two lanes, driving a couple of metres away should not be a problem and would be sufficient while overtaking.”
Meanwhile, Dr Saleh believes a legislative change may be required.
“This accident is the latest in a series of incidents involving cyclists, some of which have proved fatal,” shared Dr Saleh. “We highly appreciate and support the government’s efforts to develop safe tracks for cycling such as the cycling routes in Zallaq and Salman City. Nevertheless, the main issue is the safety of the cyclists on the other streets of Bahrain.
“The current traffic law considers the bicycle a vehicle, although bicycles are not equipped with the same safety measures manufacturers can provide for car and truck drivers. Cyclists are so much more vulnerable in comparison.
“Another factor that complicates matters is a driver’s general attitude towards a cyclist. Not many leave a safe distance and don’t even slow down to allow cyclists to clear a turn or a roundabout.
“Although cyclists wear helmets to protect their heads, the whole body is exposed to the forces of speeding cars and also the impact against the solid ground and other objects like trees and lamp-posts.
“We appeal to drivers to treat cyclists on the streets with respect, patience and mercy,” said Dr Saleh. “We would also appeal to legislators to amend the gaps in the traffic law regulating cycling to make it more protective.”
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