Cyclists take to the heart of Kuantan to promote activity

What say you on the issue below?

SOME 300 cyclists “invaded” the heart of Kuantan recently, in what was actually a show of support for the state government’s effort to promote cycling as a leisure activity as well as a healthy form of exercise.

Families, friends and members of the public as young as four years old took to the streets to join in the latest lifestyle craze.

The “Kuantan Townride” was officially flagged off by state Culture, Arts, Heritage and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Shafik Fauzan Shariff who led the group to cover a 7km route.

Other riders included Kuantan Municipal Council (MPK) president Datuk Zulkifli Yaacob, Pahang Tourism Ministry office director Idros Yahya, Bukit Fraser Development Corp general manager Datuk Mohd Hanafiah Abdul Mutalib, his deputy Ishak Mokhtar and several media representatives.

One for the album: Some of the cyclists posing for a group photo before the start of the ride.

Some of the riders family members also joined in the ride.

The cyclists were accompanied by traffic police throughout their journey.

The group cycled through Jalan Gambang, passing by Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital before proceeding to Jalan Mahkota, Jalan Teluk Sisek, Jalan Beserah, Jalan Tun Ismail (near the East Coast Mall) and entered Jalan Lim Hoe Lek, Jalan Bukit Ubi, Jalan Wong Ah Jang and Jalan Penjara before completing the ride at Taman Esplanade.

Shafiq Fauzan said the activity was part of the state’s event called “Bicycle Mania” which is going to be promoted as a tourist attraction.

“The Kuantan Townride started at 8am and lasted for a few hours. Cyclists were allowed to roam the streets of Kuantan without having to worry about traffic, since certain sections of the roads were closed during that time,” he said after the ride.

Good job: Zulkifli (right) giving a thumbs-up with Idros following behind.

He added that the objective of organising the event was to popularise cycling among Kuantan residents.

“Not only is it good for the health, but we can also spend more time with the family. Sometimes, we are too busy with our work and we should take time off to be with our family. We can instill the love of cycling in our youngsters as well,” he said.

Shafiq Fauzan also said the event would be held twice a month with the next rides scheduled on Nov 28, and Dec 4 and 18.

He assured those keen to take part in the rides that their safety was a top priority when cycling in town as the police and local authorities will work together to ensure things go smoothly.

“For their safety, we will have the police and MPK personnel helping to ensure smooth traffic flow as we do not want the event to disrupt other people’s daily lives,” he said.