KUCHING: The Sarawak Cycling Association (SCA) is looking for a suitable venue for novice cyclists to practise their skills.
Its president Datuk Benjamin Hasbie said the venue would cater for beginners to practise their mountain biking skills.
“There are a few places that we find suitable for mountain biking such as the track behind the stadium building,” he told New Sarawak Tribune during an exclusive interview at Masja Mountain Bike Trails (MTB) Park here in Petra Jaya, yesterday.
Benjamin pointed out that the road track at the Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) building was only suitable for expert cyclists.
He explained that with new leadership, the association aimed to engage all strata of the society in the state to get involved in cycling.
“For example, in Kota Samarahan we have many university students who are interested in cycling,” he revealed.
Asked whether the facilities and infrastructure for cycling were adequate to serve the public, Benjamin replied, “We have very good roads but it is just unfortunate that in the early part of the planning, the government did not include bicycle lanes as part of its plan.
“In developed countries like the Netherlands, the road system there included bicycle lanes as part of their plans.”
He also disclosed that cycling tracks, especially for sports events, must meet the Union Cyclist International (UCI) standard.
“We are also looking for a venue for a BMX track. It is unfortunate that the track near to DBKU is not built in accordance to UCI standard.
“We don’t want it to be a white elephant. So, it is important for SCA and DBKU to discuss the best way to reconstruct and improve the track in order to meet SUKMA’s cycling requirements,” said Benjamin.
“To encourage the community to be involved in cycling, we suggest housing developers include cycling facilities and offer special inclusive prices for young married couples when they purchase their homes,” he said.
Now that the database on various road tracks had been compiled by the association, Benjamin said it could help SCA identify potential areas for cycling events.
“We are looking for more places in Kuching and other parts of Sarawak to build criterium circuits.
“In fact, housing developers can develop criterium circuits as part of their main facilities.
“This can help to nurture in children a love for cycling at a very young age and at the same time, create a healthy lifestyle for the community,” Benjamin said.
