Amman cycling campaign commemorates dead Iraqi cyclist

AMMAN — More than 100 Jordanian cyclists peddled their way through Amman on Friday to shed light on the dangerous conditions cyclists suffer from, and to commemorate the death of an Iraqi cyclist on Queen Alia International Airport, Road according to organisers. 

Sahem Jreidi, 29, was riding his bicycle with a friend on the emergency lane of the Airport Road when he was struck by a speeding vehicle near Amman Waves at 7:30am.

Dubbed “I am Sahem”, the campaign was designed to commemorate the death of the Iraqi cyclist who was killed two months ago, according to Batoul Arnaout, one of the campaign organisers.

 “We wanted to set up an event bringing together all the cyclists in Amman to go cycling for the sake of his soul. We also wanted to raise people’s awareness especially motorists towards the rights of cyclists who should be able to ride a bicycle in a safe way,” she told The Jordan Times in an interview ahead of the Friday event.  

She noted that more than 100 cyclists attended the event, peddling their way through the Airport Road, where the accident took place.  

Ghaith Farkouh, who was with Jreidi when he was killed, said the campaign is important for him personally and as a member of the cycling community.  

“It is personally important because he was a close friend for me. Also, as a cyclist, I want to have a better infrastructure for cyclists. Right now, the way motorists deal with us is very dangerous,” he added. 

Ali Jalal, a Jordanian cyclist, said the most difficult obstacles cyclists encounter are to find a safe place to practice their hobby. 

“Many people consider our hobby as a luxury,” he said. 

Jalal called on officials to design a dedicate space in large streets for them to cycle, adding that motorists should be aware that cyclists are not their enemies. 

“A cyclist is simply someone who wants to practice his hobby and there is no need for the driver to race him. Motorists should show some respect to him,” he concluded.