Cycling for change
For Polish-American Professor Leszek Sibilski, the bicycle has always been more than a means of getting from one place to another.
Once his sport, cycling turned into Sibilski's lifelong passion that now fuels a global campaign for mobility, sustainability and inclusion.
'All my experience in sports, academia and parenting led me to this work,' Sibilski told StarMetro during his visit to Kuala Lumpur.
His visit was arranged by the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kuala Lumpur, which brought Sibilski to Malaysia in conjunction with World Bicycle Day on June 3.
The embassy also collaborated with Kuala Lumpur City Hall during its Sunday Car-Free Morning initiative where Sibilski joined the mayor and the public for a ride through the city centre.
A former Polish national cyclist, Sibilski later built a career as a sociologist and educator, focusing on social movements and institutions.
Car-Free Morning cyclists on a ride through the city centre.
'I just retired from teaching positions, so I'm enjoying my freedom, but I'm keeping myself busy.'
That includes championing World Bicycle Day, which was officially recognised by the United Nations in 2018 following a resolution he helped spearhead.
Observed annually, the day is now marked by all 193 UN member states, symbolising global recognition of the bicycle as a tool for development, inclusion and sustainability.
Sibilski described his ride with Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, as 'an amazing signal' to the public.
This year marks his second visit to Malaysia, after 20 years.
While he acknowledged the city's progress, he said Kuala Lumpur still had a long way to go.
'You have about 61km of cycling lanes – that's not enough,' he said.
'The urban design is still very car-oriented and spread out. It's the same issue we face in America,' he added.
As Malaysia builds its public transport systems, bicycles must be seen as part of the bigger picture, said Sibilski.
For that to happen, there needs to be consistent political will.
'Behind every bicycle is a voter. Don't aim too high, too fast – start from zero.
'Elect politicians who will promote cycling culture and healthy behaviour,' he said.
The mobility challenged are not left out of the Car-Free Morning event.
Sibilski, who met Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh at the KL Car-Free Morning, said they had a 'very productive' discussion.
'I think there will be a follow-up meeting, and I will introduce her to some of my newest inventions and legislations, which I think will be very useful for your society,' he said.
He expressed hope that the mayor would issue a proclamation for Kuala Lumpur to adopt the next World Bicycle Day.
One of those initiatives is Bicycles for All, a resolution promoting the integration and promotion of the bicycle as a tool for sport and physical education in cities, schools and communities.
For Sibilski, cycling is not just about health or the environment but also a matter of social inclusion.
He pointed to the bicycle's role in empowering women, citing its significance in the North American emancipation movement, and stressed its value for marginalised and low-income communities.
During his visit, Sibilski said he aimed to engage students, teachers and local leaders in partnerships.
'When you're advocating for something that's your passion, you don't spare anybody.'
But his strategy remains one of persuasion, not confrontation.
'Advocacy must be gentle, responsible and creative,' he said.
'When you fight, you lose energy and create enemies.
'We don't need that. We need alliances that support bicycle users,' he added.
Sibilski's advice for Malaysia: 'Don't try to replicate other countries, but find your own way. You cannot emulate everything from the Netherlands.
'Apply domestic standards. Pay attention to your culture and tradition.'
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