My Longkang

I might have imagined it or maybe it is because today is a week day. Sibu town seems very peaceful. To my ‘imaginative’ mind, there seems to be less festivity and less cars on the road. Some coffee shops I frequent seem to be less crowded than usual. Some outlets in leading hotels were practically empty.

But when you go to the suburbs it is a different story altogether. More people I know are using motor-cycles. A tuition center near my place was less jammed than usual. I took a closer look and realized that some had switched to two wheelers to fetch their children. It was the same this morning outside some school premises.

Parents are switching to motor-cycles.

As for me, it is only recently I have started using my motor-cycle big time. It is a small bike. I just discovered I am not as agile on the bike as I once was. On a bike I am less visible. I realized too that I expose myself to danger each time I am on the road. Perhaps it would help if my bike were bigger. I am ever so aware that if I keep moving I am ok but if I fall, I put myself in much danger. Previously my car protected me. It helps that my car is quite bulky and hence quite visible on the road. Now my fragile self is protecting my bike. Believe me, it makes a world of difference to my confidence.

Like today I was at a junction. I had stopped at a traffic light. I put my feet down on the road. A kancil stopped next to me, To avoid a land cruiser on another lane , it was very near to me. I realized my foot would have been crushed if I had extended my feet out 9 inches more.

On the road, size matters. The roads are less than perfect. They are not even and there are potholes on certain roads. The big vehicles treat me as if I don’t exist. Container lorries travel fast and are kings of the road. Each time they pass, I feel a pull towards the middle of the road. Buses generally are more bike-friendly. Lorries too can be dangerous to small bikes. Some cars do not obey the traffic rules and it is hard to predict their next course of action.

I also realized my bike is not in tip-top condition. If I were to carry Mrs BB around, it would lose much power. I still hesitate to carry Benghui around with me on the bike except for my neighborhood and small nearby lanes.

Then there is the weather. When it rains and there is a strong wind, I stop by the side of the road. I have bought myself a yellow rain coat. It is more visible. It makes me sound so ‘uncle’ but the days of braving the rain to save a few minutes are over for me. I will buy a better helmet with a protective screen for my eyes. It hurts when insects hit the eyes or when the rain falls too heavily.

We save petrol but please be extra careful especially if you have stopped using bikes regularly for some time. Please think of the safety of your pillion riders especially if they are children.

I have also decided to keep a positive mentality instead of raving and ranting what I am powerless to change. ( ref: the increase in fuel prices and run-away inflation. )