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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: 1383
Number of Comments: 27

Comments
WalknRide  
07 Aug 10 , 12:16 PM

Shd share if all r considerate. Just as there r inconsiderate cyclists, there is this bunch of inconsiderate noisy LOCAL school girls who walk 6 abreast, blocking the whole (cycle) pathway. Though they see me headon and i tinkle the bell, they not only dont move aside, one even shouted vulgarities at me. No upbringing at all!



footpaths  
26 Jul 10 , 01:15 AM

Why call footpaths if they are not meant for foot and foot alone??
Fence Sitter  
20 Jul 10 , 10:29 AM

If the gov thinks it is difficult to implement registration of all bicycles.

I propose at least to make it compulsory for all motorised bicycles to be registered to owners with insurance coverage (without COE) by sellers/assemblers. I noticed that quite many ride hazardously at high speed without helmet like motorcycles and at times without care at traffic light junction, pavement and also honk at people blocking their way on pedestrain mall off the road.

There is no difference between motorised bicycles and scooters!

Please act fast and early before someone get injured and all of us will definitely blame the gov. My impression is nowadays the gov loves to give 1001 reasons to most "lau qooi" issues that they are unforseen. I say they are sleeping on the job, this shows a lack of foresight!

Hey! The ministers and civil service are paid so much, so they are expected to be alert and meticulous to take proactive and preventive actions, as gov always gives impression that they don't pay peanuts for monkeys. Soon people will lose confidence after too many excuses and it will be reflected in election time.

Please don't tai-chi too much between gov depts, do it for Singapore.


Cheers... Be responsible in your duty,
Fence-sitter.



Sin Citizen  
17 Jul 10 , 23:59 PM

I strongly disagree to have the pedestrian to share the path with cyclist. On many occasions, the cyclists instead of waiting patiently behind the pedestrians, they will start pressing their bell and that's really really very irritating. If we share the path, then they should just follow behind or at least come down from their bicycle and ask permission to overtake us. Many cyclists are foreigners and that's even more sickening. When I thought Singapore is going to be a more cultured society, these rotten people disgrace us, the real citizens. Get out of my way if you do not know your courtesy.
code22x  
03 Jul 10 , 08:48 AM

I think like any other transportation, we need some rules and regulation, especially on speed and "right of way". In this way, cycling can be safe.
Cycling is a very good form of transport and we should encourage it.



No to cyclists on footpaths  
07 Jun 10 , 00:03 AM

Retain the footpaths for pedestrians. Cyclists should be on the roads. It is disgusting to see young and old cyclist-morons charging up and down the footpaths. They dare not cycle on the roads because they are kiasi, and would rather knock down padestrians on footpaths than be damn by vehicles on the roads!
Martinst  
28 May 10 , 10:18 AM

I Think that had bike licence and point system. i think that dangerous on ppl walk into path . hope that looking that method and protect all the ppl in path . thank



Insurance for Bike-owners  
20 May 10 , 16:05 PM

I can't agree more with Kingpin and Narrow Path. Our pedestrian walkways are too narrow, and most cyclists here do not respect the pedestrians. They mostly act like road bullies, ringing loudly, cycling aggressively, too fast for safety, like they have right of way. What if they hurt and cause serious injury to senior citizens, young children, pregnant women? How to make medical claims against these offenders. What kind of new legislation is required for them to appear in court to answer charges against them without incurring expensive court fees and lawyers' fees? Maybe a new claims court should be set up to hear such cases to save time and money?
Vinz  
07 May 10 , 22:58 PM

Recently there is a big commotion on cyclist illegally cycling on the pedestrian path....

i have a few points to highlight:
(1) How many accidents were caused by this?
(2) Are cyclist given a place (proper infrastructure) to cycle in this time where lots of effort were made to encourage a GREEN environment?
- On Road (Drivers deem them as road hazard)
- On Pedestrian Path (Pedestrians deem them as walkway hazard)
- On Cycling lanes (How many such lanes are around?)
(3) To be fair, what about pedestrians using the cycling track when it is meant for cycling?
- Should they be fined too?
- *Just do a random check on the cycling track leading to Tampines shopping mall area...... just see how mnay pesdestrians are using the cycling lane due to it being located under the MRT track --> i.e. providing shade from the scorching sun)

Overall, its a finger pointing game .....

Just have to be educated to be more civic minded and always look out for pedestrians - be it on road, cycling path or walkways.

To have law legalizing such green efforts - is just plain 'making a mountain out of a molehill'

Just a humble opinion



Road safety No 1  
06 May 10 , 11:04 AM

cycling on footpaths is not an issue, but those who walk and cycling must know where they go and look around to care for their own safety rather than blaming others..remember sporean do cycling for sport,,so open your own eye [big big],accident can happen every where no matter how careful on road nowadays,,,even bus can hit bus-stop also...dont tell me ban the bus on road..???
Lee Lin  
28 Mar 10 , 13:28 PM

I think that the Goverment should not encourage events for bicyclist on public roads. And suggest bicyclist to be at Parks,Beaches or recreation areas instead.It is not trendy to be cycling on roads.I find it dangerous for cyclist and pedestrian.



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.



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