Speeding for time, is risky
2:30 pm
I was in a rush. I was supposed to meet my friend at 3pm, Gardens by the Bay. The Singapore Garden Festival was on, and today happens to be the last weekend for me to catch up. My previous company was kind enough to offer me some visitors passes for the festival.
As soon as I hopped on my bike, I quickly exited the car park and hit the road. There was neither time for an engine warm-up nor setting up my earbuds, which I usually do.
I tried to make a quick entry into the major road through a slip lane intersection. In my haste, I performed a rather abrupt maneuver— while checking my blindspot — when I banged onto the tail end of another bike in front of me.
“Ahh! Ah Ayeeeee!~” I heard the pillion screamed.
I tumbled down on my 400X, together with the Super Four like dominoes.
It was a total schoolboy error. Driving school never fail to emphasise the importance of riders to always clear your front view, before checking your blindspot.
I picked myself up and hastened towards the other bike.
“I am so terribly sorry! I didn’t notice you. I assumed you've sped off in front of me. Are you guys hurt?” I was profusely apologising to them and didn’t realise my words makes no sense.
Silly me. How can I not notice when I assumed he had already moved off from the slip lane? Adrenaline and shock can really make you wonky.
The biker was an elderly man, with a tanned complexion. Deep lines on his face suggests a life spent in the weather. A postman, a site foreman, or maybe a gardener? I don’t know. Best I could figure was the man appears to be in his sixties.
Fortunately, both of them were not injured, except the pillion — a lady — whom is reeling from shock. There were no visible damages on his bike either. The lady says that unlike her husband, this is her first time getting to a road accident.
I continued to apologise and picked up both our bikes to the side of the road. I gave them my number in case there are any injuries once they get home.
The one-sided dialogues which I cannot recall turned from utter shock to anger, and gradually to calmness.
“Be cautious on the road while you drive, chap. Are you going to work?”
“No, uncle. I’m going to meet up with a friend for coffee. And after that I’m heading off to work at Bukit Timah.”
“Just be careful when you drive. You’re a young chap.”
“Yes sir, understood.”
The message was crystal clear.
2:45 pm
The biker patted himself off, attempting to start the ignition on the bike. No response.
He tried again for the second time. No luck, the engine doesn’t start.
I gulped.
I’ve hit my reserves for this month’s income. Please, not this time.
“Let it sit for a while. The valve’s probably flooded right now.” I chipped in.
The tension and awkwardness was killing me. I was perspiring in cold sweat.
After about 5–6 times of pressing the ignition, the bike roared to life.
About time. I mumbled while I heaved a sigh of relief.
We parted ways and I thanked them again for being magnanimous.
Thank you for reading!
