Why do motorists still show disdain for cyclists? Here are 4 safety suggestions

The recent letters on cycling on roads appeared to have ruffled more than a few feathers of both motorists and cyclists. ("Cycling on roads: 5 areas that ought to be reviewed", Dec 9; "Road safety: Clamp down on cyclists who flout the rules, too", Dec 1 and "A cyclist’s plea for drivers to slow down at road crossings", Nov 27)

As a driver of more than 13 years but a cyclist for just four, I have seen far more errant drivers than cyclists who infringe road traffic regulations out of convenience although it could be due to my having more time spent behind the wheel than a handlebar.

The narratives change over time but the passive-aggressiveness of motorists showing disdain for cyclists has not ebbed with time.

Despite past clarifications from various authorities that cyclists are allowed to be on the roads, to ride abreast and to use the right lanes for right turns, motorists are never really at ease with sharing the roads.

In almost all developed nations, the duty of care on the roads has always fallen on the faster and larger vehicles although in Singapore, one can almost mistake it for the other way around — that the motorists and fast-moving traffic must be respected by those moving slower.

Nevertheless, I agree that it is necessary to strengthen road usage regulations and take concrete actions in order to protect the interests of all parties.

I have four suggestions.

First, to protect the safety of cyclists, may I suggest that specialised cyclist lanes be segmented from existing infrastructure along Nicoll Highway, West Coast Highway, Keppel Viaduct and Bartley Viaduct.

These are all highly specialised and direct roads leading into and out of the city.

With more end-of-trip facilities being built in the city, such specialised lanes can benefit travellers who rely on human-powered vehicles and not just those who use it for pleasure.

However, I agree that specialised lanes should be used for the sole purpose of moving traffic and while riding abreast is unavoidable to fit more cyclists, they should refrain from chatting while using these lanes.

Second, I would also like to suggest regulations for vehicles passing cyclists to give a clearing distance of 1m when travelling up to 50km/h and 1.5m when the motor-vehicle is travelling at more than 50km/h.

This is in-line with regulations of most developed nations which had managed to successfully include human-powered vehicles on their roads.

Third, cyclists should not be riding on footpaths to protect pedestrians.

Cyclists must be on the roads and sufficiently protected from harassment. I believe that cyclists will refrain from using footpaths if their safety on the roads can be enhanced.

Fourth, any road user who displays self-entitled behaviour, of any extent, by harassing and disregarding the safety of all type other road users, should be made to retake their theory tests alongside existing punishments.

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