Cyclists Have Road Rights, Says National Body Amid Viral Dispute

The Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF) has reminded the public that cyclists have every right to use public roads, unless there's a sign or law that says otherwise, Sinar Harian has reported.

Its president, Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill, said the federation is aware of a recent viral video showing a confrontation between a bus driver and a group of cyclists, and stressed that incidents like this are taken seriously.

He said MNCF is monitoring such cases and reaffirmed that cyclists are legitimate road users who deserve the same respect and safety as anyone else on the road.

Amarjit also called on the authorities to investigate social media posts that appear to threaten or promote harm against cyclists. “No one should feel unsafe just for being on the road,” he said.

He added that such posts are not only irresponsible but could be considered criminal threats, potentially endangering the lives of thousands of cyclists who ride daily.

“Cyclists are road users too,” he said, noting that any act of intentionally endangering a cyclist with a vehicle may fall under Section 43(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

As for cyclists themselves, Amarjit reminded them that safety must always come first whether they’re riding for fun or competing.

He encouraged cyclists to stay alert, follow traffic rules, and be mindful of their surroundings. Amarjit also stressed the importance of riding defensively, especially on roads often used by heavy vehicles.

“Cyclists need to be aware of others around them,” he said. “Stay calm, don’t act aggressively, and be extra cautious on busy roads shared with lorries and buses.”

A recent viral video showing a roadside argument between a group of cyclists and a Rapid KL bus driver has sparked a wave of online debate though probably not in the way the cyclists had hoped.

In the clip, the group accuses the driver of “dangerously squeezing” them while they were riding. But instead of sympathy, many social media users criticised the cyclists, calling them entitled and reckless.