Cycling enthusiast stresses need for road safety

National cyclists and casual cyclists are constantly in a battle to remain safe, while sharing the road with cars on a daily basis. Gabriel, who is a popular cyclist among Port of Spain residents, says cyclists must be alert to potential danger.

Most recently, national women’s cyclist Keiana Lester was involved in an accident with a car while training with her club Rigtech Sonics in December.

While training in South Trinidad between Buenos Ayres and Erin, Lester was going around a corner when a car coming from the opposite direction struck Lester and the cyclist was thrown off her bike. Lester, 19, received bruises to her face, neck and legs and had to undergo surgery for a dislocated hip.

Gabriel, 62, who has been using a bicycle as his only form of transport for the past 20 years, says cyclists must keep their eyes open.

Gabriel said, “I try to be observant to everything.

My eyes are up and down and all around.

You as a cyclist have to be observant because cars going about their life. You can’t take your eyes of the road.” Gabriel, who used to ride motorbikes, pleaded with people not to drink and drive.

“Don’t drink and drive. That is another basic law, because if you are not 100 percent mental and your mind is in some kind of fog (it will impede your judgement).

Don’t drink and drive because alcohol is a drug.

“Cell phones are a major problem. You as a rider have to be real observant in what you doing and be conscious.

After so much years you gain experience.” Gabriel, who is a former body builder and personal trainer, explained that a car does not necessarily have to be driving fast to injure you.

“I believe cars around Port of Spain don’t travel that fast, but if a car hits you at 20 or 30 miles an hour it could seriously injure you and mash up your bike because it is momentum and weight and speed.” Gabriel believes cars don’t try to intentionally damage cyclists, but a car is more powerful than a bicycle and can do serious damage.