SOME 100 participants and volunteers spent their Saturday riding and engaging the visually impaired community during the Ride for Sight 2023 programme at Queensbay Mall here.
Dressed in pink, the participants cycled about 20km using tandem bicycles to raise public awareness, foster understanding, and reduce social stigma. They also hoped to promote the inclusion of visually impaired individuals in various aspects of society.
The programme was organised by St Nicholas’ Home, Penang.
The organisation’s general manager Carmen Chew said the event was held in celebration of inclusivity and unity.
“We also take this opportunity to break down barriers in the community,” she said in her speech today.
Aemulus environmental, social and governance manager Hazel Wong said the event, with the tagline ‘Be my eyes, lead the path’, was curated with the idea of providing the visually impaired community with the opportunity to experience the joy of cycling.
“For most of us, cycling could be a norm. But for them, it is a privilege.
“Most of us wake up in the morning thinking of the things we are unable to own. But, how many of us actually wake up and feel thankful for what we have?
“Do we count our blessings that we can talk, see, walk, dance or sing? The truth is a majority of us don’t,” she said.
She hoped that more people could share their blessings with those in need, especially through the Ride for Sight 2023 programme.
Caretaker Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he was happy to witness the tenacity and determination of the visually impaired community, and all participants who took part in the tandem bike cycling event.
“The Penang government reaffirms its commitment towards the well-being and empowerment of the visually impaired community.
“We understand the importance of accessible infrastructure and facilities which can allow this community to navigate our city with ease.
“In this regard, the Penang government has been actively working on improving the accessibility of public spaces, including sidewalks, transport systems, and public buildings.
“We have implemented tactile paving, audible pedestrian signals, and other assistive technologies to ensure that the visually impaired individuals can move around independently and safely,” Chow said.
He added that the state also encouraged the private sector organisations to invest in accessibility upgrades within their facilities and services by incorporating features like tactile paving, audible signals, and Braille signages.
Among those present were Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, former Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, former Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai, and St Nicholas’ Home Board of Directors chairman Suffragan Bishop The Right Rev Dr Stephen Soe.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Alissala Thian
