Cyclist-pedestrian crash — was condo exit's proximity to footpath a factor and what can be done?

The uneasy coexistence between cyclists and pedestrians on shared footpaths was once again thrown into the spotlight this week, after a video showing a woman getting knocked over by a cyclist as she stepped out of the gate of her Punggol condominium went viral on Sunday (April 10).

Recounting the March 21 incident in an interview with TODAY on Tuesday, Ms Sally Ng, 44, said she was afraid that the fall had caused injuries to her spinal cord. While much of the debate online focused on fault-finding, many TODAY readers also offered constructive comments. Some questioned why the condo’s exit was placed so near a footpath, while others suggested ways to prevent such an accident from happening in the first place. 

Nowadays, many cyclists can be seen "flying" along the pedestrian walkways to deliver food. Need to be careful on the walkways, especially when our backs are facing oncoming cyclists and we can't hear their bells ring. Little children and seniors are vulnerable. At the end of the day, we have to exercise our own safety precautions to protect ourselves. Cyclists also can't assume we can see or hear them. Best to slow down to prevent horrible accidents. STEVEN ONG

Do remember this is a footpath on which the speed limit is 10kmh. Nobody will expect one to be as alert as on the road. WILLIAM CHEW

Noticed that the gate was pulled inwards rather than pushed outwards, thus the cyclist might not be aware that there is a gate. By the time the woman was on the pavement, the cyclist could not brake in time. Maybe the condo should consider putting up a sign some distance before the gate or some small humps or yellow lines on the ground. If the gate were to swing outwards, this would be a different incident. ALICE OOI

There shouldn’t be walking pavement directly in front of the condo door. There should be a distance to the path to ensure safety of the condo residents. THOMAS ZHENG

Cyclists must exercise caution on walkways. Pedestrians too must look out for potential errant drivers and cyclists, even those who always look at their phones. RICHARD CHEE

Suggest putting up a traffic light or zebra crossing in front of the gate for cyclists to be aware of people coming out. JL ANG

As a cyclist myself, I always slow down in a crowded place or residential area. I ring my bell to warn others as I pass them as a precaution. Driving rules also state that your onus of care is greater if you can cause greater harm. DOMINIC CHIA

Bicycles should be used on the roads, not on pedestrian footpaths, period. Too many such accidents already. GERRY YEO

This is another reminder that without registration of bicycles and cyclists, it is hard for cyclists to be accountable and responsible people either on pedestrian walkways or on the roads. ALVIN KUO

It’s a design flaw to begin with and a blind spot for both parties. Even if the cyclist rides at a reduced speed, the collision seems inevitable as the pedestrian steps onto the path of the cyclist in a split second. DAMUS GOH

Once you open the gate, you have to look left and right. You cannot just walk straight like nobody’s business. MOHD NOH ADNAN

This is why we need more cycling paths apart from the PCN (park connector network). The roads are not safe for cyclists and PMDs (personal mobility devices). The pavements here are just inadequate for commuting. We should just build the infrastructure sooner. CJ SMITH

They're both victims of the developer's design flaw. The gate must be shifted further inside. Chamfer the outside walls so anyone going out of that gate won't cause surprises! ADOLFO LAGUARDIA

This is supposed to be the safest area for pedestrians to use. Cyclists were invited to use the pavement but once a person is on wheels, they are only guests of this public facility. They do not own it and the pavement is designed and built for people on foot. YSS WONG

The condo can consider having the switch to unlock the gate connected to a blinking light or sign outside the gate to indicate that someone may be coming out. JEREMY TAN

There is a lack of warning signs on the path. A painted box outside the gate could have helped to warn cyclists to slow down when approaching a side gate. STELLA TAN

I think it’s best to install a speed bump on the pavement. ENCIK NANI HABIBI

Both pedestrians and cyclists have to be mindful of each other; always stay on one side of the pathway not in the middle. And don't watch or play with your handphone while walking or cycling. FATHI FADZIL

Should add a mini hump on the left and right of the gate, so that cyclists can slow down while approaching the gate. HO SIM SIM

Many HDB lift landings are also not protected from similar incidents. I had given feedback to the town council and they installed a convex mirror near the lift. In some areas, they put up vertical posts to prevent cyclists from riding past the lift landing area. This should be installed outside the condo entrance. YUDI ARDINA

They should install convex mirrors in front of the gate so that people exiting are aware of incoming cyclists. Such an easy preventive measure. AIRIL SEET

These comments were first posted to TODAY’s Facebook page. They have been edited for clarity, accuracy and length. If you have views on this issue or a news topic you care about, send a letter to voices [at] mediacorp.com.sg with your full name, address and phone number.