Authorities to look into speed limits for cyclists

SINGAPORE – The authorities are considering whether to impose a speed limit for cyclists in parks or park connectors, said Senior Minister of State for Transport Mrs Josephine Teo in Parliament today (Jan 29).

The Active Mobility Advisory Panel, headed by Parliamentary Secretary for Education and Social and Family Development Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, will look into the matter, she added.

The panel is expected to release its report within the first quarter of this year. To that effect, it is also reviewing the rules and safety guidelines for cyclists and users of personal mobility devices.

Mrs Teo was responding to a question from Dr Tan Wu Meng (Jurong GRC), who asked what measures the Ministry of Transport were taking to ensure the safety of vulnerable people on footpaths such as children and the elderly.

Mrs Teo added that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is increasing enforcement efforts, and is developing a National Cyclist Education Programme with the Singapore Road Safety Council and LTA to promote safe and considerate cycling.

“Cyclists must always remember that they have a duty of care not to endanger others through inconsiderate, reckless or irresponsible behavior. If errant cyclists are found, the police will take action against them,” she said.

Dr Tan’s question was in light of a recent incident on Jan 10, when a three-year-old child was hit by a cyclist at the Serangoon Park Connector.

The boy suffered several injuries, including bruises around his mouth, swollen lips and loosened teeth, and a cut on his chin which required stitches. Following the incident, his mother appealed for help on Facebook to identify the cyclist.

In an update on her Facebook post a day after the incident, she wrote: “Really hope that the paths (not just this specific one) which many people take regularly, can be improved and that more regulations or safety features can be put into place.”