Preventing Incidents between Cyclists and Pedestrians with Increased Cycling Within Towns
Ministry of TransportSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns safety measures to prevent collisions between cyclists and pedestrians at key intersections, as raised by Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui. Minister for Transport S Iswaran detailed infrastructure enhancements like wider red-coated paths, improved lighting, and routing cycling paths behind bus stops to segregate users. He also mentioned installing speed regulating strips, D-markings, and spring-loaded posts at traffic junctions and residential exits to alert commuters and slow down cyclists. Beyond physical features, the Minister highlighted public education initiatives like the Confidence on Wheels Programme and regular enforcement operations to penalize errant path users. The response concluded by emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility and gracious behavior to ensure that shared spaces remain safe for all residents.
Transcript
47 Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui asked the Minister for Transport given the rollout of more dedicated cycling paths and promotion of cycling within towns, what are the safety precautions to prevent collisions between cyclists and pedestrians at key intersections such as bus stops, traffic light junctions and exit points of residential developments.
Mr S Iswaran: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) enhances safety for path users on our cycling paths through various initiatives, ranging from infrastructure, public education and enforcement.
Cycling paths are designed to provide a safe and convenient way of commuting. The paths are wider than footpaths, with visual cues such as the distinctive red coating and clear path markings, to demarcate boundaries. For better visibility at night, lights are provided at cycling paths, in addition to existing street lights.
At key intersections such as bus stops, traffic light junctions and exit points of residential developments, there are additional safety features. Cycling paths have speed regulating strips and safety markings to remind and slow down cyclists when they approach bus stops. Where space permits, these paths are routed behind the bus stops to segregate path users from commuters at the bus stops.
At traffic junctions, there are advisory signs for users to look out for each other and crossings have been widened to provide more space for cyclists and pedestrians to cross the junction safely.
For residential areas, LTA works closely with the management of developments and the community to develop mitigating measures such as D-markings, spring-loaded posts and ground markings to alert residents of potential oncoming path users at areas such as property gates and corners with poor visibility. LTA also works with the developments’ management on other initiatives such as putting up notices within the development’s premises to alert pedestrians to look out for path users when exiting.
Beyond infrastructure, we promote the awareness of path users on safe riding practices through regular campaigns and programmes such as Confidence on Wheels Programme. LTA also carries out regular enforcement operations to take errant users to task.
Ultimately, cycling paths are shared spaces that benefit all. I urge all path users to play their part in behaving responsibly and graciously. With collective ownership and responsibility, our shared spaces will be safe for everybody.