Mystery cyclist identified

A Dunvegan resident for 47 years, Mr Costa Paulos (78) has been cycling since his early 20s.

Recently, Costa and his penchant for cycling, has had Edenvale residents talking. In its July 24 edition, the NEWS published a Letter to the Editor where a reader asked for more information on Costa.

In the letter Mr Jeff Dix asked who the man is.

“I am sure there are many Edenvale residents who, over the years, have wondered the same thing. I have lived in Edenvale since 1993 and have seen this man, on a regular basis, riding his racing bike in and around Edenvale. It is 20 years now,” Mr Dix said in the letter.

Mr Paolos saw the letter and tried to contact Mr Dix. When he failed he then decided to contacted the NEWS.

“I just wanted to have a chat with him but the number I obtained from the phone book did not exist,” Mr Paolos said.

He went on to say that he has never cycled professionally and that originally, the first bicycle he purchased was not meant for him.

“I used to cycle in my early 20s but when my son was born I bought a bicycle for him. I wanted him to ride it when he grew up. I would ride it occasionally and I fell in love with cycling. Since then I have been using a bicycle to do my little grocery and other house-runs. I also use it to keep fit,” he said.

He said for the bigger buys, his wife would drive to the shops.

“She is special. She is number one. This year on November 23, it will be our 50th year of marriage. My wife, Denise-Joan, understands that I love my bicycle,” he said.

Mr Paolos said he follows sport but plays only two, tennis and cycling.

“Though I never played competitively, I still play tennis and I cycle to keep fit. I also follow rugby, soccer and other sports. If I get the newspaper, I start with the sports news before I read about politics and all that,” he said.

He also called on other cyclists to be careful on the road.

“Cycling has some danger. You need to cycle in the far left lane as much as possible. In places where there is a cyclists’ lane, ride there. When you turn to the right, make sure you look. If you have to stop and look to make sure it is safe, do it. When it is safe make a hand signal that you are turning,” he said.

He said some motorists do not consider cyclists as legitimate road-users.

“A week before your (NEWS) reader took my picture, I was knocked down by the truck. My bicycle was badly damaged. Fortunately I was not seriously injured. I was riding in Elma Park when a big truck overtook me and knocked me off my bicycle. The driver did not stop, he just drove on. I am grateful that I am still alive,” he said.

He added that there were a few incidents where he felt his life was in danger. But he insisted that he will not stop cycling.

“When people are on the road there is an element of danger but we all need to try and minimise it by being aware of other road-users all the time. Let’s be roadworthy drivers. Do not drink and drive because your judgement becomes poor when you are driving. That is deliberately putting other peoples’ lives in danger. If all of us, including motorists, can use the rules we learn at driving schools, we will be safe,” said Mr Paolos.