One of the cyclists who got into a verbal confrontation with a RapidKL bus driver broke the silence and apologised for the matter.
The cyclist, Salman Farish, who also uploaded the confrontation video, explained that his action of uploading the video was not intended to embarrass anyone, but rather to show the safety challenges that cyclists often face on certain roads.
“My intention was never to shame or target anyone, but to highlight the safety challenges cyclists face on some roads.
“I now realise there are other, better and more constructive ways to spread awareness, ways that unite rather than divide,” he wrote on his viral Instagram post.
According to him, the incident should be a starting point for all parties to be more concerned, responsible, and respectful of each other, regardless of whether someone is riding a bicycle, driving a vehicle, or simply sharing the same road.
“Let’s move together towards safer roads, clearer communication, and deeper empathy for each other.”
Salman also admitted that group activities such as cycling in pairs can pose a risk to other road users, and he takes full responsibility for the matter. He also regretted not showing better tolerance and awareness when the incident occurred.
In a related development, Salman, along with several other riders, had cooperated with the authorities investigating the incident and admitted their mistakes. He also apologised to the cycling community for the negative light that he had “cast” upon them.
“We have admitted our mistake and will take this as a serious lesson for the future.”
“I hope for nothing more than for us all to ride in harmony, with discipline, obeying the law and respecting each other. Let this be a lesson for us to grow, not a conflict that we bring together,” he concluded.
At the time of writing (July 16), the bus rider has yet to respond. What do you think of Salman’s take on this matter?
Also read: 21yo Terengganu Cyclist Becomes The 1st Southeast Asian Woman To Join World Cycling Team In Spain
