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Temper attitudes to safely negotiate shared road space

I am pleased to read about the greater governmental efforts to put in place policies and infrastructure to enable cycling as a viable form of commuting here. (“Study recommends combining cycling with public transport in S’pore”; June 3)

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Denise Lum Shu Mei

I am pleased to read about the greater governmental efforts to put in place policies and infrastructure to enable cycling as a viable form of commuting here. (“Study recommends combining cycling with public transport in S’pore”; June 3)

It is also great to hear voices in support of such measures and with suggestions of their own, which reinforce the genuine desire and demand for a more bike-friendly Singapore. (“Allocate more parking spaces for bicycles to encourage cycling”: June 5)

There are, though, generally irate attitudes towards cyclists here. As roads get more congested with cars and as the biking population grows, it will take cooperation from everyone — motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike — to make commuting, and urban living, pleasant.

In “Make our footpaths safer from cyclists” (June 4, online), the writer expressed concern over cyclists’ behaviour on the road and, more specifically, on pedestrian paths. He suggested that speed regulators or barriers be installed.

I would urge everyone to avoid wasting resources on extreme measures, and instead employ resources towards more practical solutions such as creating bike paths on roads and installing bike racks. And all road users should consider their own responsibilities and attitudes.

Cyclists, for example, should adhere to road etiquette such as staying off pedestrian paths, honouring others’ right of way, riding as much as possible on the left, refraining from riding against traffic and from weaving, as well as using hand signals and lights after dark.

To establish our right of way on the roads, we must respect the rights of pedestrians and motorists. At the same time, motorists have a part to play as considerate citizens on the road.

They must concede that bicycles are lawful vehicles of the road, give sufficient clearance to cyclists, be attentive to their presence and, generally speaking, take a breath before deciding whether to be combative on the road.

One who wields mechanical horsepower can inflict severe harm, and certainly harm greater than what any bicycle or pedestrian can cause. Motorists cannot be ignorant of their responsibilities as privileged road users, and rather than turn to bullying or unnecessary rage, should be more compassionate to fellow commuters.

Similarly, pedestrians must recognise bicycles as vehicles on the road and take care when crossing. Pedestrians have right of way in many instances, but it would be irresponsible to ignore a traffic light, walk onto a street and assume that cyclists can stop instantly.

As we work towards being a gracious society, one must actively be aware of one’s surroundings and learn to be forgiving.

Particularly in light of recent news on Singapore’s more aggressive drivers, let us consider how we can temper our attitudes to make our travel journeys safer and a less aggravating experience for all. Rather than bemoan the presence of cyclists on the roads, let us recognise that we are all people trying to manoeuvre in this landscape and negotiate our shared space.

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