LETTER | More should be done to stop cyclists from using highways

LETTER | The number of cyclists has surged since recreational activities were allowed to resume. Due to lack of facilities, cyclists tend to go for highways where there are fast vehicles. Fatalities that result from the activity has also increased during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In 2020 alone, 56 deaths and over 60 injuries were recorded. As the call to sanction the cyclists has been more vocal with the increase of mortalities, the Road and Transport Department affirmed that cyclists cannot be fined by the department. 

However, the police can take action against reckless cyclists on highways where they can be fined up to RM2,000 under Section 79(2) of the Road Transport Act 1987. But are such measures enough to prevent death or should the government take it a step further by banning cycling on highways?

Keeping the safety of road users is the responsibility of the government and the people as well. Imposing rules on cyclists is one way to do so. According to sociologist Emile Durkheim, discipline is a necessary evil to keep the order of a society. Even though discipline is often viewed as a rigid means, it is still necessary to keep the society running and without it, society will be in chaos. 

Legal theorist John Austin opined that law can only be obeyed when there is sanction made by the government. Thus, the members of society will curb from committing an offence under the law because of fear of being sanctioned. 

But fear may not always be enough, therefore, the government must take precautionary steps to ensure the cyclists’ safety will be guaranteed such as putting up signs to alert them when the road is dangerous for them to cycle on. The cyclists will be aware of the danger and will try to avoid the highways. 

The government should also not ignore the option to completely ban cyclists on the highways. Even if the ban will result in public disagreement. 

In summary, the fine that the government imposes on cyclists does not suffice as there are cyclists who will still be on the highways due to a lack of cycling facilities. The government should pose a ban altogether for the sake of all highway users. 

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.