Ensure that bikes, e-bikes, PMDs have proper lights

I drive mostly in the west of Singapore and have noticed more people using bicycles, electric bicycles (e-bikes) and personal mobility devices in the early mornings, or at evenings and nights, that do not have any reflectors or lights. I have had near misses because they zip across pedestrian crossings at relatively high speed in darkness.

Since they share the road with cars and motorbikes that are required to have proper lights, these users should be held to the same safety standards.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) should step up education programmes to ensure that proper lights are installed and used.

For example, a quick survey of the bicycles parked in HDB estates will show that few have lights or reflectors.

With more bicycles, e-bikes and personal mobility devices using footpaths in addition to roads, this is even more critical, especially during early mornings when there are school children around.

If all that fails, the LTA must step up enforcement of the safety regulations on the proper use of reflectors or lights, with penalties that would encourage compliance.