Cycling on footways to be legalised in
Tampines
SINGAPORE: Folks in Tampines have reason to put more pedal
to the mettle. From end of February next year, residents there can
cycle legally on footways.
This comes after a 20-month trial conducted by the
Tampines grassroots organisations, transport authorities and the
Traffic Police.
While they say there has been general acceptance of having cyclists
share footpaths with pedestrians, they are also stressing the
importance of three key features - infrastructure, education and
enforcement.
To ensure pedestrians and cyclists can share footpaths safely, safe
cycling clinics will soon feature at block parties throughout
Tampines.
In addition, footpaths are being widened to ensure adequate
space.
And a new regulatory framework will be ready next March to ensure
cyclists ride responsibly.
Under the new by-laws, Tampines Town Council will be able to take
action against cyclists for reckless behaviour such as speeding on
footpaths and endangering the lives of pedestrians, not dismounting
from their bicycles in crowded areas and not stopping at the
traffic lights.
The Town Council will carry out blitzes and hand out fines of
between S$50 and S$1,000 to cyclists who do not obey the
rules.
The legalisation of cycling on footpaths will only apply to
Tampines.
National Development Minister and MP for Tampines GRC, Mah Bow Tan,
said the town is unique in that every block is within 2km of the
MRT station, shops and schools.
"We feel that cycling is a very healthy, environmentally friendly
and money-saving way of travelling around in a compact town like
Tampines," he said.
There are currently no plans to expand the legalisation of cycling
to the rest of the island.
- CNA/ir