Carry on Ride with CM !
If it is such a success why stop?? I thought G Club's motto is "THE MORE THE MERRIER"- that's to get more to cycle and have fun? State Exco's excuse of "too many bicycling events" is just plain LAME ! If a club is capable of organising an event successfully and wants to organise more, State Exco should welcome with open arms ! I still still cannot believe the excuse given !!
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maybe we should call it critical mass.
you know, we ride and number eventually grow so big that other motorist will not help but notice that there are significant cyclist on the roads.
Dear all,
My 2 sen worth might sound a bit political but I really feel strongly about this.
The CM Ride last year was themed "Campaign For A Lane : Come Ride With The CM". I feel that the State Govt might be missing the point of the event. To my understanding, the whole event was not just a "Cycling Event" but it paints a much bigger picture. "Campaign For A Lane" means to canvass or to take on a task to get a designated lane for cyclists. Although I do agree that we might not be able to see this "lane" materialise but I believe that plans are in motion for the progression to this eventually.
The perception of "too many cycling events" just cannot cut it as this CM ride is not "just" acycling event. It has a much bigger motive than that. Campaigning for a lane is to tell the Govt that there are cyclists out there in Penang that would want to make Penang a safer place for this activity. Not just an event for people to win prizes or to just have fun.
The benefit that would be derived from this event is not for GClub but for all the cyclists in Penang. I really feel that the vision of the few people who mooted this idea is very noble and selfless thus I fully support the insistence of pulling this event to realization.
The idea of "Campaigning for a Lane" must still be the top agenda although most feel that this effort will be quite futile. If we cannot reach the sky, at least we reach the top of the mountain. We have done well with Phase 1 with the emblems and roadsigns. They may look like parking signs at first but as time goes on, with the increasing awareness among the population in Penang and exposure to the rest of the community, these signs will take on a different meaning and understanding.
So guys, don't underestimate the power of a vision. Don't give up the goal of getting a better environment for some private company just for them to organie a "Cycling Event" to further their mileage in their branding just to get more sales while the "Big Picture" is moved to the back burner.
My apologies if I do sound too rude or intimidating or even stupid. I just need to get this off my chest.
Best regards,
nightrider
I believe G Club should continue with it's own events, rides and what not regardless of what our state exco says or does. Of course it would be good if our state exco can get all the clubs together and run a big event in the name of bicycling, that will be great and augurs well for all.
G Club started off with such a simple and noble goal, and that was to get more people to cycle. What had been achieved so far by G Club is remarkable and no small feat- and again hats off to the committee, friends and supporters! And if active members of G Club can continue to stir interest by organising rides every now and then, that would definitely encourage more people to buy a bike and join the bandwagon. But how does those in the ivory tower view all these ? They have their agenda and responsibilties to fulfill. They will sway with the winds and not too many will be ultruist enough to support a club like ours without any tangible returns. So we should be flexible enough to hear them out but it does not mean we should merrily sing along. Stick to our noble goal and I believe at the end of the day nature will return us the favour... my 2 sen
Hi Nightrider, here's my take.
I do not wish to offend anybody. But last year was a good year for Penangites. We finally got a State Govt which was willing to show that they listen to the ordinary people like you and me, and Ali, Ah Chong and Samy. They wanted to create a good feeling among the local population, so they promptly agreed to any public event proposed by the general public.
Last year's theme was "Campaign for a Lane - Come ride with the CM".
For G Club and their sponsors and supporters, the ride was to show the public that there are thousands of cyclists in Penang and we would like to be able to ride safely on the road.
To the State Govt, and I do apologize if I offend anyone, the catchword was "Come ride with the CM" giving the perception that people are turning up to show their support for AND ride with the CM.
That's why they are now cool to the proposal of this year's edition as the novelty has worn off.
Even though I am not a regular contributor to our site, I just can't sit back and not comment on what has been going on with regards to the organizing of "Cycling Events" that has been keenly discussed lately.
I was recently told that there are quite a number of corporate companies getting ready to jump on to the bandwagon of organizing cycling events which they think will give them much publicity compare to other sporting events as proven by the success of "Campaign for a Lane" & "Kayuh Lasak" in terms of the overwhelming participation from local & outstation riders.
I strongly urged the state government to give priority to cycling clubs that have proven track record to continue with their good work in making Penang a "cycling heaven" and also encourage more corporate companies to work hand in hand with them by way of sponsoring generously to these events. Having 4-6 cycling events in a year is to be encouraged by the state instead of feeling stressed. BTW most cycling clubs do 95% of the work & funding is also generated by collection from participants & supporters of their respective clubs.
Again I would like to ask the state to rethink and be more positive in making "Malaysia & Penang Boleh" a reality.
Happy Kayuh
Robert Lee
i think event organizing is something like cycling long distance. must pace yourself. if try to do too many thing too fast, alterwards will get lethargic....
Hi Sugi, Posh. I think you read it wrong.
Doc was telling us that the State Exco, the people who sort of approve or support our G Club organized cycling rides, feel that there are too many cycling events in the state. So they are trying to trim down State Govt sanctioned cycling events by proposing that the organizers combine to jointly hold such events, which will result in less public cycling events on the calendar.
So there's no need for a Merdeka Ride in Aug and a Ride With CM in Sept/Oct, and looks like my proposal for a Governor's Birthday Charity Ride over the Penang Bridge in July is also literally going down the drain. Haha!
Perhaps we are stretching the State Govt's resources too far just for cycling. G Club has already been successful in their campaign for a (cycling) lane, though what we have really achieved are just the putting up of sponsored road signs around the heritage town area, and also the long stretch of road from Gurney Drive up to Teluk Bahang. At least it is all up to G Club committee members' efforts that these road signs are managed to be seen. Leave it to others and NOTHING would have been done.
At the risk of sounding cynical, I do not think that we will ever live to see a designated cycling lane on Penang island, though the dream is to have at least one from Gurney Drive to Teluk Bahang. They can't even incorporate a lane for cyclists on the Jelutong Expressway to Queensbay even though the road is so wide. Even now I dread to imagine what is going to happen to the old Teluk Kumbar road from Puspakom to Balik Pulau. As you all know, the spanking brand new highway is under construction but I don't know what is going to happen to the old stretch. Hopefully it will be left for us cyclists to use on our round island rides.
Well, this is just my own opinion. Of course there are our monthly G Club Teluk Bahang rides, which are now stretching to Balik Pulau as all the riders get fitter, to look forward to. I think the present State Govt has supported us enough last year and we really cannot expect them to give their backing for every cycling event that is submitted to them. So perhaps they should mark down on their sporting calendar, how many cycling events should be allocated for the year and the month to be held, then see which party is interested to organize the meet. I think that would be best for all and will keep everybody happy.
Cheers and Happy Safe Cyling!
Spot On Tony!! That's the whole idea. The state exco i.e the sport, youth and family are stretched to the brim with events not only on bicycle but other events also.
You are quite right, your Governor Birthday charity ride is as good as gone unless you are the Governor himself. We suggested to them to incorporate the bridge as part of the round island but not only was it shot down but we were subletly told to combine all cycling event into one. We as cyclists just want to ride in safety. Hopefully we are all above politics and the cyclists" agenda should be for the bet\terment of the cycling community. As such the more cycling events there is in the state, the better it is for the commnunity because this will increase the awareness and also recruit many more cyclists. Once you are a cyclist you will understand everything about road sharing. I was a fast and inconsiderate driver once but since i started pedalling on the road, i understand and now know how to respect cyclist's right. If 1/2 the Penang populations were to start cycling, not only will the traffic congestion improved but motorists' attitude will also.
Of course, the G club just like any other cycling clubs would love to see lots of cyclists on the road (safety in number) and thus annual event like the CM Ride is important to keep morale's up eventhough I can assure you like what webster said it is a taxing and time consuming affair. All the G club committees and the Rotary Club of Tg Bungah involved in last year event has sacrificed much time. Therefore, the state exco should be very glad if cycling clubs in the state are actively organising events. Mind you, the budget from the state for last year event is negliglible. It is mainly sponsored by companies. The MPPP, police and Jkr contribute some manpower and some equipments.
Judging from the poll so far (only one day old), we hv 49 votes with an overwhelming number wanting the ride to carry on. I think we should try to convince the state exco failing which there are lot of other platforms to work on. SUGI AND POSH THANKs for the support and encouragement. I suppose it all depends on the committees and the Rotary Club of Tg Bungah if it is worthwhile to sacrifice time and effort again for the 2nd edition.Bear in mind we still have phase 2, 3 and 4 to go i.e to complete the signposts and emblems going around Penang islan (it is now from Gurney drive to Tlk BAhang only).
Hi G'day Dr Lim,
IMHO, the ride that are planned should have a purpose i.e. Charity or Other good course. CM Ride or Governor's B'day ride may just be some sort of cycling carnival. Perhaps it will be more meaningful if we can contribute the funds collected from the event for a specific purpose like tree planting or basic infra structure for cyclists like the "rest shelter" ( something like the 84 shelter for hikers ) as well as more PROPER ROAD SIGN ( the present one can be easily perceived to be Parking Sign instead ) for road sharing and awareness.
Cheers
sk
I agree with SK's opinion. G-Club should not be discouraged just because they did not get the blessings from them. They should start to think how to further enhance the event so it would attract more riders.
Our ride last year is name CAMPAIGN FOR A LANE - COME RIDE WITH THE CM.There shud a theme to the ride and in our case we are trying to complete bicycle signposting with the signposts now that you see along tg Bungah road. Phase 2 which supposed to take off this year is meant to raise abt Rm40,000 to signpost from Tlk Bahang to Balik pulau and hopefully 2011 we can proceed on From Balik Pulau to Queensbay and by 2012/ 2013, lets hope we have the whole round island signposted.
As for separate bike lane, if there is enough cyclists' pressure on the authority and private developers, we may realise our dream.
Agreed wtih Alan we cud use other platforms and enhance the event but lets wait for further development in next couple of days.
Dear Baby Husky
Well said, Tony!
Since G Club has successfully organized so many cycling events, officially and unofficially, I think it should go on as long as the sponsors are willing to chip in. So far, the Club members have done their part to attract riders to join them over weekend rides thru their website. G Club will still be able to hold a grander sequel this year compared to last year's inaugural launch. Since cyclists from as far as Thailand came here to ride the 80km route, why not extend to other neighboring countries like Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, and even Australia? Perhaps one day G Club may host a more challenging race of Tour de Penang with some price money. It'll be great to promote Penang, not only as a holiday destination but as a primary destination for bike racing and holidaying. Whether it happens or not, its a foresight of what G Club and Penang can do. Just my 2sens....