Cyclists should be clear whether they are pedestrians or motorists

I agree with the letter “Footpath rules can make walking less stressful” (Aug 4). I live in Jurong West and it is common to see cyclists zipping down the footpaths.

Most seem to be young foreigners, who may be unaware that it is illegal to cycle on footpaths. Some are also grandparents, parents or maids fetching children to and from school.

Everyone is in a hurry, and few slow down as they approach bus stops and pedestrians, who must be the ones to watch out for them and give way. A few are even riding motorised bicycles, which can go quite fast.

Running along some of the footpaths are cycling paths, but most cyclists would rather not use these. If there is any reason for this, they should instead ride on the roads.

Cyclists should be clear whether they are pedestrians or motorists, and not switch between the footpaths and roads at their convenience, with no regard for other users.

I hope the Land Transport Authority panel studying this issue will come up with clear rules on what cyclists can or cannot do. There should also be more enforcement to deter them from cycling on footpaths.

And there should be a course, like the Basic Theory Course for potential drivers, on traffic rules and cycling etiquette to educate cyclists, before issuing them licences so errant ones can be identified and held accountable.

The cycling community has often called for more tolerance and coexistence on the roads. Likewise, cyclists should be more considerate of the safety of pedestrians and other road users.