Road Accidents Involving Cyclists
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns road accidents involving cyclists and measures against riding against traffic, raised by Er Dr Lee Bee Wah. Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam reported 501 such accidents in 2018, with 10 specifically involving cyclists riding against the flow of traffic. Offenders face fines up to $1,000 and imprisonment for first-time violations, while repeat offenders may be fined $2,000 and jailed for six months. To deter irresponsible riding, Traffic Police and the Land Transport Authority conduct enforcement operations and education initiatives like the "Safer Together" campaign. Additionally, safety engagements target primary students and delivery riders through the Road Safety Community Park and specialized safe riding guides.
Transcript
47 Er Dr Lee Bee Wah asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) in the past year, how many road accidents have involved cyclists; (b) how many of such accidents have resulted from cyclists cycling against traffic; (c) what is the maximum penalty for cycling against traffic; and (d) what is LTA doing to create greater awareness for and deterrence against such behaviour.
Mr K Shanmugam: In 2018, there were 501 road accidents involving cyclists. Of these, 10 accidents involved cyclists who cycled against the flow of traffic.
Cyclists who ride against the flow of traffic are liable for the offence of riding other than in an orderly manner and without due regard for the safety of others. First-time offenders may be fined up to $1,000, imprisoned for up to three months, or both. Repeat offenders may be fined up to $2,000, imprisoned for up to six months, or both.
To deter irresponsible riding, Traffic Police (TP) conducts enforcement operations in areas frequented by cyclists. To raise awareness on the importance of safe riding, TP and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) conduct public education initiatives. For example, LTA's "Safer Together" campaign, launched in February this year, reminds cyclists to abide by road traffic rules. In addition, TP conducts regular engagements with primary school students at the Road Safety Community Park. To encourage delivery riders to adopt safe riding practices, in 2018, the Workplace Safety and Health Council (WSH Council) developed the "Guide to Safe Riding", with TP's and LTA's support. The guide is publicly available, on WSH Council's website.