Education on rider discipline key to making common spaces safe

Although I do not disagree with Mr Thomas Wong in his letter “Provide more space for use of two-wheelers” (Sept 10), I believe the problem is more deeply rooted.

Electric two-wheelers are no different from normal bicycles, save for the higher speed, which is at the rider’s discretion. The issue here is the rider and the indiscipline and/or disregard for others.

This lack of courtesy is a poor reflection of our upbringing. I also see foreign workers who ride as though they are kings of the road.

Therefore, besides creating lanes and space for bicycles, including electric ones, there is a need to educate users.

Electric vehicles are the future and are here to stay; they are environmentally friendly and will provide our ageing population with added mobility.

I agree with Mr Wong that pedestrians should be more tolerant, although dangerous riding will never be tolerated. Any vehicle, be it a car, motorcycle or bicycle, can potentially injure or kill pedestrians and other road users.

We should not condemn the vehicle itself, as some have suggested, but focus on user discipline, on how to make common spaces safer for pedestrians and riders alike, and on law enforcement if there is blatant misbehaviour or dangerous usage.

In a small city, bicycle usage must be encouraged. It will reduce our dependency on cars, while not compromising the quality of daily life where mobility is concerned.

Singapore has a network of bicycle lanes for us to enjoy, but over longer distances and with the humidity, some require a power assist, which is why electric bikes are a useful form of lifestyle transport.