Frustration of a cyclist

"Wah....potential 'activist' huh?"

That was one of the many replies that I received after my email was sent out yesterday. I don't think one needs to be a cyclist in order to understand the frustration I am feeling.

I never missed an opportunity to cycle when I travelled overseas. I could take a nap by the river in Nikko, and don't have to worry about my bike which was parked unlocked by the roadside. Not to mention the countless times that I left it unlocked outside the supermarkets while I was inside shopping. One may argue that Japan is one of the most civilised society - one will be able to retrieve his/her belongings should you leave your things behind, as nobody will take it.

But what about the time when I parked my bicycle outside the museum in Luang Prabang while I spent three hours inside the museum, and next to the padi fields in Borobudur. Laos and Indonesia are hardly affluent and developed countries yet I don't have to worry about thefts of my rental bikes. It is an irony that I cannot take similar comfort in my home country.

Now, I dare not park my bike in a public area and will try to hide my bicycle behind a table or boxes even after I have locked it. Overly suspicious? Maybe. But I do have a good reason to do so.

"I have lost 3 bikes in past 10 years. My family does not learn. Best is not to own one if it is hardly used as you end up losing it," emailed M.

Does avoiding the issue solve the problem? Maybe just your own, and just as far as bicycles are concerned. For all you know, it may be a bike now, metal bars too, street lights next? And who knows what else after that.

"I'm still waiting to see my many many umbrellas lost after leaving them overnight outside office. Sighed...." shared N. That probably sums up the civics at the moment.