Cycling on footways to be legalised in Tampines
SINGAPORE: Folks in Tampines have reason to put more pedal to the mettle. From end of February next year, residents there can cycle legally on footways.
This comes after a 20-month trial conducted by the Tampines
grassroots organisations, transport authorities and the Traffic Police.
While they say there has been general acceptance of having cyclists
share footpaths with pedestrians, they are also stressing the
importance of three key features - infrastructure, education and
enforcement.
To ensure pedestrians and cyclists can share footpaths safely, safe
cycling clinics will soon feature at block parties throughout Tampines.
In addition, footpaths are being widened to ensure adequate space.
And a new regulatory framework will be ready next March to ensure cyclists ride responsibly.
Under the new by-laws, Tampines Town Council will be able to take
action against cyclists for reckless behaviour such as speeding on
footpaths and endangering the lives of pedestrians, not dismounting
from their bicycles in crowded areas and not stopping at the traffic
lights.
The Town Council will carry out blitzes and hand out fines of between S$50 and S$1,000 to cyclists who do not obey the rules.
The legalisation of cycling on footpaths will only apply to Tampines.
National Development Minister and MP for Tampines GRC, Mah Bow Tan,
said the town is unique in that every block is within 2km of the MRT
station, shops and schools.
"We feel that cycling is a very healthy, environmentally friendly and
money-saving way of travelling around in a compact town like Tampines,"
he said.
There are currently no plans to expand the legalisation of cycling to the rest of the island.
- CNA/ir