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A cyclist’s plea for drivers to slow down at road crossings

Since Covid-19 restrictions began, I have taken to cycling to keep myself fit and sane. It has worked well.

The writer, a cyclist, says he was nearly knocked down by three speeding cars at pedestrian crossings in the past few weeks.

The writer, a cyclist, says he was nearly knocked down by three speeding cars at pedestrian crossings in the past few weeks.

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Lawrence Seow

Since Covid-19 restrictions began, I have taken to cycling to keep myself fit and sane. It has worked well.

But I have also noticed that many drivers do not slow down or pay close attention when approaching a pedestrian crossing.

I wonder if they know the Highway Code.

On three occasions in the past few weeks, I was almost hit by a speeding car at a zebra crossing.

The drivers managed to hit the emergency brakes just in time. Or I would be sprawling on the ground or lying in a hospital bed.

Two of the drivers at least raised their palms to apologise as they acknowledged their mistakes.

The third driver, however, was a different kettle of fish.

He was speeding as he approached the zebra crossing, looked up and was surprised to see me.

He slammed on the brakes to avoid an accident. But instead of apologising, he got angry and gave me the middle finger.

I highlight these in the hope that this letter might save lives and prevent accidents.

It is a driver's duty to slow down and give way to pedestrians and cyclists at road crossings — not the other way around.

Have views on this issue or a news topic you care about? Send your letter to voices [at] mediacorp.com.sg with your full name, address and phone number.

Related topics

cyclist bicycle drivers safety road safety

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