Safe Sharing of Footpaths by Pedestrians and Cyclists

4 Ms Foo Mee Har asked the Minister for Transport (a) how can pedestrians be assured of personal safety when sharing footpaths with cyclists; and (b) how can the Government ensure that cyclists comply with the code of conduct so that everyone benefits from a shared use of the roads and footpaths.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The Government will be introducing new rules and a code of conduct for cycling and use of personal mobility devices, which will help to ensure the safety of both pedestrians and cyclists when sharing footpaths. The new rules will, amongst others, impose a speed limit of 15 kilometres per hour for bicycles on footpaths, and disallow electric bicycles on the paths. The code of conduct will require cyclists to give way to pedestrians and slow down and be prepared to stop when approaching crowded areas.

We will promote adherence to the rules and code of conduct through enforcement and education. A dedicated team of Active Mobility Enforcement officers from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will patrol areas with high pedestrian and cyclist traffic and high incidence of complaints. They will be supported by Active Mobility Patrol teams, which comprise volunteers from the community and grassroots. They will educate cyclists about the new rules and code of conduct and encourage safe and gracious cycling behaviour. In fact, these enforcement officers and volunteers are already on the ground advising cyclists, even though the rules have not yet been passed into law.

However, we cannot rely just on enforcement. A more sustainable solution is for Singaporeans to develop a harmonious and gracious culture and to be considerate towards one another when sharing paths and roads. Thus, LTA launched the Safe Riders Campaign in April this year and will be publicising the new rules and code of conduct through a nationwide education campaign in the coming months.