Build highways for personal mobility devices, bicycles

There has been much talk about errant users of personal mobility devices (PMDs).

While regulations are in place to minimise inconsiderate behaviour, many pedestrians still feel that their sense of space and security is infringed upon when such vehicles pass too close or too fast.

It is too simplistic, however, to only blame users. Talk to PMD or electric-bicycle riders, or cyclists, and they will likely say they are frustrated that they have nowhere to ride freely.

The limited space on footpaths and the pace of pedestrians frustrate them.

PMDs are banned from roads, and most casual cyclists also restrict themselves to pedestrian paths, as those riding on roads must wear helmets.

It is clear there is rising demand by people here for such devices.

In principle, this should be welcomed. These vehicles allow us to bridge the "last mile" better.

They also reduce the need for cars, and increase efficiency and value to consumers (cheap food deliveries are an example).

So, why is this leading only to mounting frustration?

The crux of the problem is simple: Riders are forced to use places that were never designed for them.

These devices typically travel safely at 15 to 30kmh, making them incompatible with spaces for slower-speed pedestrian movements (4 to 7kmh) and higher-speed road vehicles (50 to 70 kmh).

Yet our authorities decided several years ago that Singapore roads had no room for dedicated cycling lanes. Aside from the few park connectors and cycling paths, which tend to be for slower-speed cycling, a comprehensively planned network of paths for such mobility vehicles is non-existent. 

The rules have also largely been knee-jerk reactions to the proliferation of these devices, rather than carefully considered steps in a broader strategy to integrate them into our city. 

How can things change?

While the Road Traffic Act legitimises the presence of cyclists on roads, many road users do not recognise this.

The authorities should push for greater legitimisation of cyclists on roads by having dedicated bicycle lanes. Cities around the world, including in Europe, have rolled out great systems of bicycle pathways especially when land is scarce — even scarcer than Singapore’s.

If bicycles are given higher priority because they use space more efficiently, then we will conclude that there is not enough space for road lanes because we must have more room for bicycles. 

In addition, we could build islandwide networks of cycling highways — uninterrupted stretches of bicycle and PMD paths, either on land or elevated.

Bicycles, for instance, do not need much space (about 1.5m a lane). Such highways can be built above existing roads and could be sheltered to encourage cycling.

Bicycles should also be explicitly encouraged to use bus lanes. A simple change, such as putting a bicycle sign on a yellow bus lane, will go a long way.

Finally, PMDs should be permitted to use infrastructure that bicycles are explicitly allowed to utilise, subject to speed limits and rules against reckless behaviour.

CLARIFICATION: This letter has been updated to reflect the writer's clarification that bicycles need about 1.5m per lane.   

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