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Legalising cycling on footpaths

From 1 Mar 2010, cyclists will be allowed to cycle on footways in Tampines New Town. This announcement follows a two-year trial which found that most cyclists rode responsibly, and that the majority of residents did not mind sharing the pedestrian walkways.

The REACH discussion forum also saw some active discussion as contributors weighed in on the new ruling.

Contributors generally commended the Government for allowing cyclists on footpaths in Tampines, as they felt that most cyclists are responsible riders. They noted that as the population in Singapore continues to grow, communal sharing and integration in all areas will become inevitable. Some believe that this move will encourage more residents to take up cycling, in the process promoting healthy living amongst citizens. A few even hope that the Government would extend the ruling wherever possible islandwide.

However, there were also those who questioned the feasibility of allowing shared footpaths. They opined that some cyclists might ride irresponsibly on the shared footpaths, and pose a danger to pedestrians. In this regard, several contributors called for the construction of designated bicycle paths for cyclists in locations where cycling on footpaths was legalised, so as to minimise conflict between both groups of users on the shared footpaths.

Contributors also noted that besides cyclists, pedestrians too played a role in ensuring safety on footpaths. Several contributors even called on pedestrians to give way to cyclists, with a few suggesting that fines be meted out to pedestrians who failed to give way to cyclists.

They called for mutual respect and understanding, as well as greater public education to promote safety awareness amongst all road users, so that all users would take responsibility for their own safety as well as of those around them.

One contributor also noted that with the new ruling, it was now timely for the Government to reinforce the 'keep left on footpaths' message.

Interested to find out comments from the public? Please click here to find out more.

Number of Views:	650
Number of Comments:	16

Comments

Kingpin

25 Feb 10 , 02:32 AM

Agree with Sardine. Will the PAP please provide the statistics, proof and signatures of all those who agree to the pathway sharing ? It takes only 1 reckless bicyclist to get someone injured or killed. Having them licensed will at least make them think TWICE before being RECKLESS ! Mandatory to install bells and lights as MOST bicycles DON'T nowadays !

Kingpin

25 Feb 10 , 02:24 AM

Bicycles must be licensed BEFORE they can share the path with pedestrians inorder to enforce responsibility and accountability. Any other way is just inviting trouble and accidents to the elderly and children being run down by rash bicyclists. WHY are the PAP so eager to allow bicycles to share the pathway ? Why ? REMEMBER license first if not DON"T share the pathway.

tabithalee

09 Feb 10 , 07:05 AM

According to World Health Organization (2010), “ The first global assessment of road safety finds that almost half of the estimated 1.27 million people who die in road traffic crashes every year are pedestrians, motorcyclists and cyclists.” The article goes on to comment on how, “ell countries are implementing a number of effective road safety measures. These include limiting speed, reducing drink-driving, and increasing the use of seatbelts, child restraints and motorcycle helmets.” One is lead to think that measures to protect this group of vulnerable people. However, this is not the case, because the article goes on to mention that, “We found that in many countries, the laws necessary to protect people are either not in place or are not comprehensive.” While I understand that Singapore has a relatively safe implementation and enforcement of traffic rules, something more can be done to protect these people. For cycling to by legally safe in Singapore, I believe that the infrastructure, and not the people: have to be changed. A feasible solution would be to create a path for all cyclists, (not on the pedestrian curb) but to the side of the road, where a path of about 2m width can be delineated specifically for cyclists. Delineation can be achieved by painting a white line on the road to mark off that position, or placing fence or any other structure of some kind to achieve the same effect. Of course, one has to consider the amount of work and funds it will take to delineate all the roads of Singapore for cyclists, but for the environment, and for the safety of the people, and to save everyone the trouble of debating on legalizing road cycling, I believe it is worth it.

Sardine

08 Feb 10 , 22:28 PM

This announcement follows a two-year trial which "found that most cyclists rode responsibly, and that the majority of residents did not mind sharing the pedestrian walkways. "
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A pack of lies!!! This is PAP MP Irene Ng's pet project.......so as usual, PAP just bulldozes their way through despite opposition from residents.

So what will happen when there is no policing????

sam choo

07 Feb 10 , 11:50 AM

On the contrary one must ring the bell to alert some zombie in order to prevent an accident.

what are bells for ?
If U threshold is so low then go live in the mountain and be a recluse.
Go to CHina and see for yourself, the millions of bikes on the street. AN unspoken rule of road is in practice.

SMile and ring softly and more often then not they will make way.

sam choo

07 Feb 10 , 10:37 AM

1- defence spendings should be scaled down to a minimun or optimised , we should not be paranoid about potential siege from our nieghbours.Take a chance man, they may not that bad.How about having more spies located in the right places to keep us alerted of any aggressive stance from them.

2 we must learn to share what little we hv. both pedestrians and cyclists must learn to navigate safely in our narrow straits. Don't make sg into an overregulated city, where it is hell to livee!!! ppl must be taught to live in little Sg.
Newbees can't do what they are used to in their old homes. They must adapt to Sg styles or there will be trouble!!

3 Warning --do not presume that old authoritative styles will work all the time.

22-

Wake up and be aware of your surroundings!

04 Feb 10 , 21:38 PM

Singaporeans are really selfish people who live in their own little worlds not giving a d*mn about anyone but themselves.

All these complaints now over having to share a PUBLIC path when all these people really need to do is what they should have been doing all along - be aware of where they are and how their actions affect those around them!

Instead, they walk with their heads up their a**es and expect their own safety to be in other peoples hands. Worse yet, not want to give way to anyone else then complain as if the world revolves around them.

Govinda

01 Feb 10 , 14:08 PM

At least now we can get our kids ride safely to school without worrying about crowded buses and speeding cars. This is a good move to legalise cycling on pedestrian path but indicated the right of way is pedestrian first and do not ring the bell. Cyclists are allowed as long as they are not speeding, using the pathway responsibly.

Commoner

29 Jan 10 , 17:10 PM

before the govt implement anything, be practical try it and make it part of your life and see is it workable. Don't just talk on the desk and paper. Walk on the path with so many cyclist zoom pass you. If the cyclist felt unsafe on the road with cars, that make it worst for people having cyclist who has no training, high code and driving license. We are like walking on a landmine, waiting for someomne to run us down.

Walkways lead to LTA

27 Jan 10 , 17:55 PM

A new form of “transport” becomes a new source of “revenue” .

LTA cant wait to get their hands on this “transport” mode for full nation wide implementation.

1. Registration & license
2. COE
3. In-“vehicle” unit

The Wheels of fortune will spin…..all the way to LTA.

fromtheheart

27 Jan 10 , 16:03 PM

... claims that population has been fully housed. Are you sure? Its time to come down from your Ivory Tower and hear the sentiments of the public, there are ppl who can't afford HDB housing these days because of this ungoverned COV. $8000 income ceiling??? inflation up, prices up(utilities, public transport etc) but ceiling bracket for HDB loan and benefits remains the same. Share footpath with cyclists? The country is overpopulated, don't you care about the well-being of your citizens, think abt our old folks and little children using that footpath. These foreigners do not care even if they knock you down, they just whisk away with their bikes to stinge on the exorbitant bus and MRT fares. We pay taxes and we deserve to live comfortably in our own country built by our forefathers not destroy it by allowing any "Tom, Dick or Harry" in. These ppl are here to make their money and leave for better pastures overseas. Why r we sacrificing for them. Are we making this country into a "heartless MNC" whose priority is money-making, show some sympathy for your ppl pls, its abt time to do that. Giving out rebates and GST off-set packages isn't the solution.

narrow path

26 Jan 10 , 10:32 AM

The Government mind set is like a frog in the well, although they have travelled well.
The walking path is enough for 2 persons standing side by side. How to get a bicycle in??
So MRT squeeze, now walking path also squeeze!!
Pathetic SQUEEZEy Singapore.
If Government really want to share the path, then widen it to 2.5 metre wide. That will avoid bicycle knock on old folks, children and pregnant women, as it can be life threatening. Don't wait till accident happened then do something.
Another is to registry all bicycles like old days.
Also put speed devices for those speeding( >20km/hr) bicycles, Fine $500, exclude children bicycle. Buy insurance like car, if they knock a pedestrain, the victim can claim owner of that bicycle insurance, for all medical expenses.
Government can add Path Tax(like Road tax). We will be like Beijing 1970s, ha ha ha. Fortune turn around.

Augistine

26 Jan 10 , 03:57 AM

I was a victim in an accident with a motor-cycle at a HDB block walkway many yrs ago. Luckily, I'm still alive but the motorist escape away as I was too shock and down in pain. Worse still, no one is willing to offer any help !

crap

25 Jan 10 , 15:55 PM

"...most cyclists rode responsibly, and that the majority of residents did not mind sharing the pedestrian walkways."

The above couldn't be further from the truth. the usual propaganda by PAP when they want to roll out policies against the wished of S'poreans!!

Now govt know

25 Jan 10 , 09:19 AM

It's getting pack in Singapore. No place for bicycle already. Somemore. A lot of foriegn workers cycling everywhere to work. So...... our govt. What are you going to do anything about it ?

Our VISA and work permit anyhow give. Our people 40 cannot find new job liao. Those with skill salary also lower due to your " Action " towards SIngaporean.

Election time ?????????? We don't care anymore.
It's your problem now.

Like I say, I vote any party but you. I don't care what you do to our neighbourhood. I don't care what you do in our singapore. I just care about my "DAILY" ricebowl and buying a HOUSE.

Take care GOVT !

Pedestrian

24 Jan 10 , 18:18 PM

My child was hit by a bicycle at Woodlands. The teenager on the bicycle was speeding at almost 30km/hr (top speed). He ignored the safety of the pedestrian. When I 'hey' at him after running over my child toes, he turned around and smirked at me.

So, where are the Town Council (TC)? There was no license plate no. so there is no way I could report him to the authority.

The authority might want to enforce 'bicycle plate no.' for bicycle so that cyclist will be more responsible as they know they can't get away scot-free.