‘Blanket’ cycling rules defy common sense

I refer to the debate over cycling rules in Singapore (“Enforce dismount and push rules on bridges”, April 21; “Stricter rules needed for two-wheelers”, April 22).

There should be separate bicycle and pedestrian lanes on overhead bridges and underpasses. The current laws are not being observed because they do not make sense.

Nothing annoys a cyclist more than an arbitrary instruction to dismount and push their bicycle along a long, empty stretch of pavement, on which they could have cycled much faster than they can walk.

Good luck trying to enforce such laws against common sense.

We impose a blanket ban on cyclists using these crossings, even though they know how to use them safely, even when pedestrians are around.

Putting barriers on the crossings will be just as unnecessary — it is like putting speed humps on the expressway. I think cyclists should not be treated as children. Separate lanes will provide the best compromise between the two.

On narrower crossings, signs that say “Give Way to Pedestrians” or “Slow Down” will be more sensible than instructing people to “Dismount and Push”. Penalties should be imposed on dangerous cycling.