By Roadrunner

The incident where the New Zealand woman was killed while cycling certainly brought certain factors regarding cycling and walking in Brunei into perspective. Apparently there had been incidents before, including one where almost an entire cycling team and the cycling coach was hit by a reckless road user.

During that particular incident, texting was involved. However, human factors and technological distractions aside – Brunei’s road infrastructure does not quite accommodate cyclists – who have to share the road with cars, trucks and buses.
The authorities have started implementing “pedestrian walkways” on the sides of the road – and this is quite a comforting change – given the hustle and bustle and the busy state of traffic at times. Certain countries such as Denmark, the UK and US do in fact incorporate segregated bicycle lanes into their road infrastructure, albeit compartmented and at a safe distance from the highways – with other type of traffic excluded

from using it.
However such steps will be quite costly to implement – no matter how tempting it may sound. “Unsafe at any speed” – What we need is an awareness in all road users – cyclists, drivers and pedestrian walkers. It seems that with the increase in car ownership – walking and cycling have become a lost art …. to non walkers and non cyclists. Most motorists are simply not registering that there might be people walking or cycling on the side of the road. Any distraction such as talking over the phone, texting a message or even rummaging for CDs while driving is all that it takes for disaster, let alone more serious ones such as driving under the influence (DUI). As for the walkers and cyclists in the midst of us – do take precautions: Walk or cycle on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic is a good advice to take.

You should also make yourself more “visible” and if possible avoid risky situations. “Be more aware than the next person” seems to be a good motto. But I suppose, it all comes down to our collective awareness. We are simply at the mercy of our failure or ability to detect other road users. I do applaud our authorities in their effort to improve the road infrastructure and road facilities in Brunei. May I suggest that we go further by embarking on a new campaign to instill awareness in all road users? It all has been done before – we are sure of it. But messages have a way of being forgotten unless it is delivered regularly and constantly.

It’s just human nature to forget.

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