This week, yet another cyclist video went viral a heated argument between a bus driver and a peloton on the Kuala Selangor road.

Drama. Road rage. All captured in one TikTok and splashed across Facebook.

But let me tell you my story.

I used to be a hardcore road cyclist.
Every week, I’d ride from my home in Kulai to my office in Johor Jaya via the Desaru Highway.

That was part of my Ironman training. 180km on two wheels.
My legs still remember the climbs.
My butt remembers even better.

It was glorious.

The speed.
The discipline.
The syiok sendiri moment when I overtook expensive carbon bikes in the peloton.
Even better when I reached the office sweaty but with fresh mind.

But I also remember the ugly side:

Lorries and buses purposely brushing past us just to remind us who’s boss.
Cyclists chasing KOMs at 50km/h in peak traffic.
Riders beating red lights like they were racing in the Tour de France.
Pelotons hogging half the road like it was closed just for them.

Then came MCO.

Cycling was one of the few outdoor activities allowed.
Suddenly, the roads were flooded with first-time cyclists.
It felt like every street in JB turned into a peloton catwalk.

Cycling became the new golf.
The new Starbucks meetup.
The new status flex.

The peace I once loved was gone.
So was the joy.

So, I quit road cycling.

I swapped skinny tyres for fat ones.
Started riding alone through oil palm and rubber tree estates.
No cars. No honks. No Strava ego battles.
Just mud, monkeys, and peace of mind.

Don’t get me wrong
Cycling is still a beautiful sport.
It builds mental strength, discipline, and legs that can power up any hill.

Sometimes, I still hit the road
Solo or with one or two friends.
Just for the feel of the wind, not the fight for road space.

But here’s the part we often avoid saying out loud:

Yes, some cyclists behave badly.
Yes, some drivers treat cyclists like moving cones.
And yes ! our roads are a disaster.
Cracked surfaces, sudden potholes, and bike lanes that vanish suddenly.

Let’s not forget
A few weeks ago,
A Singaporean cyclist died in Kulai after hitting a pothole and being run over by a lorry.

Another friend of mine was seriously injured after crashing into a pothole during a night ride.

So here’s my plea …
Whether you’re driving a car, riding a bike, or steering a 10-ton lorry:

Ride safe.
Drive kind.

PS :
I own a few bikes now:

1. Road – Second-hand Cannondale CAAD12, RM2,000. Replaced my old CAAD10.
2. MTB – Scott Scale, RM2,000 from a friend who rode it <5 times.
3. TT – New Felt B14, bought 9 years ago for under RM6,000.
4. Touring – Surly, under RM3,000 from a Singaporean who rode it <10 times.