Meshalini gave him a gentle smile. “It’s a bicycle, uncle,” she told him reassuringly. To be fair, he hadn’t seen a foldable bicycle before, especially at an LRT station.
“I actually unfolded my bike in front of him so that he could see it for himself,” the 27-year-old shared with FMT Lifestyle.
The old man was so impressed, he said to her rather excitedly: “I think I might get one for myself!” And for this Kapar lass, these heartwarming interactions with strangers are one of the many reasons why she loves commuting with her bicycle.
“I don’t normally talk to people,” the youngest of three admitted. “But ever since I got my bike, strangers just come up to me and ask about it. I’ve been talking to people more these days.”
Meshalini, a production coordinator at Five Arts Centre, is among a growing number of urbanites cycling to beat worsening traffic and to stay healthy.
“I’m mostly seated at work, staring at my laptop. Cycling gives me time to spend on my physical health,” Meshalini pointed out.
“And after a long day at work, it’s a form of stress relief as well. When I cycle, especially at night, the roads are very calm and I get to spend time with myself or even talk to myself. It’s very relaxing.”
Interestingly, Meshalini didn’t grow up cycling due to safety concerns, but recalls riding her mother’s bike to tuition as a 12-year-old and even “converting” a friend. It was only during her internship in Kuala Lumpur that she noticed bicycles and e-scooters being used for commuting.
“It inspired me to get my own bicycle,” Meshalini said, recalling how she used it to commute at university – until it was stolen. “It was a very painful experience for me. It wasn’t expensive, but it meant so much to me.”
To make matters worse, she injured her leg during a sports tournament and couldn’t cycle for years. After moving to Petaling Jaya for work, she picked up cycling again as it was the only exercise that didn’t strain her injury.
One day, Meshalini spotted a foldable bicycle at a sports store and bought it on the spot for just over RM800, along with some gear. “I knew it was now or never,” she said.
On a typical day, Meshalini cycles 20 minutes from her PJ home to a train station, rides to Pasar Seni, then cycles to GMBB. She has also biked from Bukit Bintang to Titiwangsa to meet friends – an hour-long ride.
“My friends have voiced their concerns for my safety, and urged me to drive instead of cycling,” Meshalini shared. “But I’ve reassured them that I have taken all the safety precautions. I’m not going to stop cycling.”
In fact, even extreme heat, rain, or a few brushes with near accidents have failed to discourage Meshalini from quitting. “Even if I get hit by a vehicle, I don’t think I’m going to stop cycling. I love it so much … I just want to continue cycling!” she enthused.
“Besides, cycling allows me to see and experience the world differently. I get to slow down, go through lanes and streets that I wouldn’t be able to if I drove a car, and discover hidden cafés or even murals. You’re able to notice so many things that’s happening around you,” she said.
However, Meshalini understands why many avoid cycling: bike lanes are often blocked, forcing riders onto busy roads. “The authorities should make the roads safer for people to walk and cycle,” she noted.
Nevertheless, she still encourages fellow Malaysians to commute by cycling. “Just do it. It’s so great! You just have to try it once and you will immediately love cycling. You will feel different. It will relieve your stress, and make you stronger physically and mentally.”
As for her, she will continue inspiring strangers she meets on her daily commute to pick up cycling … her colleagues, her friends, and that old uncle even if it means unfolding her bicycle for him once again.