Cyclists lack safety consciousness, root out reckless cycling habits

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Root out reckless cycling habits - by Lawrence Loh Kiah Muan

For the longest time, cyclists have been touted as vulnerable road users. This is no longer tenable. The new-generation bicycles, boasting high speeds, can be dangerous if not properly handled.

It is common to see cyclists riding on the wrong side of the road, on pedestrian walkways, along HDB shop corridors and at children's playgrounds.

Indeed, they often ride anywhere that is wide enough for their bicycles to pass through. Pedestrians, in particular, are at risk of being hit.

More accidents are likely to occur, given the rapid growth in the number of cyclists.

Before more lives are lost, the authorities should take serious action. The following measures should be considered:

• Holding a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of proper and safe cycling behaviour, and the social responsibility of cyclists;
• Getting schools to educate students on proper cycling etiquette, as many errant cyclists are young people;
• Increasing police patrols to nab errant cyclists; and
• Meting out severe penalties on errant cyclists.

If we are to develop a cycling culture, we must ensure that there is proper cycling etiquette, a code of conduct of sorts.



Cyclists lack safety consciousness - by Rajasegaran Ramasamy

In accidents involving cyclists or those deemed to be vulnerable on our roads, drivers of motor vehicles may end up being penalised for failing to keep a proper lookout or driving without due care ("Trial case highlights errant cyclists", last Thursday).

It is time the state looks seriously at many cyclists' lack of safety consciousness.

As a driver, I see more cyclists riding past traffic light junctions even when the lights are in the drivers' favour.

I also observe cyclists riding on pedestrian footpaths, with those on foot having to give way to them, instead of the other way round.

The law states that cyclists must dismount and push their bicycles across traffic light and zebra crossings. Yet many do not do so.

The authorities can only do so much. All road users have a shared responsibility to make our roads safer.