Cyclists versus Pedestrians

1) Do more to protect pedestrians from reckless cyclists

PUBLISHED ON MAY 4, 2014 1:18 AM

Last Sunday's report ("Safe cycling by-laws in Tampines get more bite") is cause for some cheer.

It was mentioned that a more systematic way of going after errant cyclists is being implemented, with volunteer wardens being given the authority to issue written warnings to those who flout safety rules.

However, it remains to be seen if stricter enforcement will indeed translate into safer cycling practices. If so, can this initiative be extended to other constituencies where instances of reckless cycling seem to have become alarmingly rampant?

I wonder if the authorities realise just how dire the situation is. Inconsiderate cyclists are behaving as if they have the right of way on footpaths.

I have witnessed people on motorised bicycles tearing down congested pathways at top speed, almost knocking down children or elderly folk in the process.

Besides pavements and common pathways, the interiors of malls, lift lobbies and coffee shops have also been "invaded" by cyclists.

It is high time pedestrians received greater protection before reckless cycling becomes the norm and there is nowhere safe for one to tread without having to keep a constant lookout for these interlopers whizzing past.

Marietta Koh (Mrs)

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2) Cycling by-laws must be sensible

PUBLISHED ON MAY 4, 2014 1:18 AM

If the Tampines Town Council seriously wants to promote cycling among its residents, it must ensure that its cycling by-laws make sense before it resorts to toughening enforcement ("Safe cycling by-laws in Tampines get more bite"; last Sunday).

It must shake off this fixation with the "dismount-and-push" advisory and avoid the "cat-and-mouse" game with pavement cyclists at bus stops and traffic junctions.

On a typical journey, a cyclist would need to pass five to six bus stops and traffic junctions. To have to dismount and push in each instance turns off cyclists.

It is not difficult to design effective barriers to separate cyclists and pedestrians at these locations. Bollards, advertising panels or planters can be used to divert cyclists from a bus stop to a path behind it. Speed breakers will slow the cyclists further.

At traffic junctions, there is at least 1m of space between the pedestrian crossing white line and the vehicular traffic stop line. This could be converted into a path for cyclists to cross junctions. Some kerb redesign and speed breakers can be incorporated to slow cyclists down.

With more sensible safe-cycling by-laws, more people will take up cycling and Tampines can truly contribute to Singapore's search for a viable and sustainable transport alternative.

Osman Sidek

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