Below are some extracts from the articles and letters from newspapers since last year 2007;
1. 4 Apr 2007 (Credit : Today, Mediacorp Press)
Draw up dedicated road rules for cyclists
- In some instances, the bicycles flashed past us, without regard for our safety.
- In other instances, we have almost had head-on collisions with bicycles at pedestrian crossings.
2. 15 May 2007 (Credits : Today, Mediacorp Press)
Cyclists take to footpaths
- Despite the ban, in practice, the Traffic Police does not penalise those who cycle on footpaths unless they are reckless, which is why many cyclists think the law should be scrapped.
- Tampines resident Zhang Fa, 62, said : "Young cyclists who ride very fast have almost knocked me down more than once. I think this will just make it worse."
- An independent consultant has been appointed to evaluate the study.
3. 16 May 2007 (Credits : Mediacorp Press)
Ensure pedestrians can walk safely
- Already, even with the ban in place, we are seeing cyclists either zooming recklessly or ringing their bell impatiently behind us on the footpath.
- A lady's bike once knocked into my elbow when I was walking my kids to school.
- Another time, I had to shout at a man when I saw him scolding a young student walking alone ahead of his bicycle for not giving way to him.
Set rules for safety
- It is called a pedestrian path because that is essentially who it is meant for - pedestrians.
- Perhaps cyclists should be made to push their bicycles at bus stops rather than being allowed to cycle through.
4. 17 May 2007 (Today, Mediacorp Press)
Cars versus cyclists versus pedestrians
- It can get unnerving at traffic junctions, where pedestrians are at the mercy of such "Formula 1 cyclist", who think nothing of endangering their lives and those of other road users.
- There must be proper means for traffic authorities to monitor and correct "dangerous biking" and mete out deterrents for biking offences.
Have clear lane markings for cyclists, pedestrians
- I never knew that cycling on pedestrian paths was illegal, because everybody does it.
- I hardly think that cyclists will give way to pedestrians, keep to riding on the left side of the footpath, and get off when there are too many people using the same space.
5. 24 May 2007 (Credits : Mediacorp Press)
Let's be gracious, share our small island
- Pedestrians will continue to have the right of way on the footways at all times.
- Police will also continue to take action against errant cyclists who ride in a reckless or disorderly manner, causing danger to pedestrians and other cyclists, under the Road Traffic (Bicycles) Rules.
6. 14 Jul 2007 (Credit : Weekend Today, Mediacorp Press0
Pedalling Danger On The Road
- Should a pedestrian be knocked down by a cyclist along a pedestrian crossing, what is the remedy for the injured?
- Even if his identity can be determined, he may be a person of few or no menas, especially in the case of foreign workers who are also following this bad habit.
- At 63, I honestly fear using pedestrian crossings, let alone footpaths which are also used by motorcyclists.
- A check with the Traffic Police reveals that as the law now stands, there is no specific prohibition against cyclists using pedestrian corssings.
- If it is not an offence, then it is time to introduce a new provision in the Road Traffic Rules to prohibit cyclists from riding along pedestrian crossings.
7. 14 Jan 2008 (Credits : MyPaper, SPH)
Put strips on pavements to reduce speed of bicycles
- The fine of $20 is too small for the offenders to feel the pinch and many feel that they would not get caught.
- Pedestrians like me have to "give way" to the cyclists, and most of the time, I would be scolded for blocking their way of I would be hit by them.
8. 15 Jan 2008 (Credits : MyPaper, SPH)
Need to get tough on cyclists using pavements
- My family and I are subject to the dangers of walking on footpaths on a daily basis.
- Cyclists go round pregnant women, children and old folks, ringing their bells incessantly and giving dirty looks to those who do not give way in time.
9. 10 Feb 2008 (Credits : The Sunday Times, SPH)
Bicycles + Footpaths = Bad Mix?
- On Jan 31, Madam Stevnanie Nur Rindynie and her three-month old daughter were knocked down by a cyclist while they were walking along a footpath in Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10.
- Secretary Rina Tan, 43, who has been swiped by bicycle handles while walking, wants no change to the no-rider-on-footpath rule.
- But 12 admitted to having had brushes with pedestrians.
10. 17 Feb 2008 (Credits : The Sunday Times, SPH)
Readers say 'NO' to shared footpaths
- The Traffic Police and Land Transport Authority said that for the trial to be successful, cycylists should give way to pedestrians who will still have the right of way on footpaths.
- Cyclists must get off and push their bikes at pedestrian crossings and crowded public places such as malls and bus stops.
- The Traffic Police said that in an accident involving a pedestrian and a cyclist, the latter must provide his name and address to the victim.
- If the cyclist refuses, the pedestrian or any witness may detain him until he gives his particulars or until a police officer arrives.
With all the above feedbacks, do you still think the trial in Tampines will be successful? Even without the trial, all of us knew that 'Bicycles + Footpaths' won't work in Singapore!
Get rid of those motorbikes from the footpath first before putting the bicycles on it!
To be continued in Part 3...
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