New rules for cyclists, personal mobility device users and motorists to kick in from Feb 1

SINGAPORE – From Feb 1 (Friday), new rules on path- and road-sharing will take effect.

1. The speed limit for riding bicycles and personal mobility devices (PMDs) on footpaths will be lowered from 15km/h to 10km/h.

2. It will be mandatory for cyclists to wear helmets when riding on the road. However, cyclists who are crossing the road to get from one public path to another will be exempted.

3. PMD users must now stop and look out for vehicles at road crossings. Motorists must also slow down and look out for pedestrians and PMD users at the crossings, and allow them to cross the road.

4. Personal mobility aids such as motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters must have a maximum device speed of 10km/h. Retailers must also display warning notices on their premises, stating the technical criteria for the devices and where they are allowed to be used.

The rules were announced in September last year when the Government accepted the recommendations of the Active Mobility Advisory Panel.

The recommendations aimed to address the increase in the number of reported accidents involving PMDs, bicycles and power-assisted bicycles on public paths.

From 2015 to 2017, the number of such accidents increased from 19 to 128.

The Land Transport Authority said in a press release that these rules are “part of ongoing efforts to foster greater rider responsibility and encourage safe sharing of paths and roads”.