[sustran] Re: Cycling on Pavements - public debate on Singapore govermentfeedback unit

[Brendan Finn]

I cannot see how "the safety of pedestrians would not be compromised" by
allowing cycling on the pavements.

I think the solution lies in a three-way response :

a)       Establish a network of cycle lanes, mostly on the existing road
space. In principle, if bicycles are a means of transportation, by belong on
the roads. By all means, mark out space on broad pavements adjacent to busy
roads. Leisure cycling is different, and there are already cycle paths along
the East Coast recreation areas, for example. Europe has countless examples
of different ways to integrate cycling within the mobility network.
b)       Launch a strong behavioural awareness campaign for both motorists
and cyclists. Singaporeans do respond to such campaigns. Motorists need to
understand their responsibilities and the consequences of their behaviour.
Cyclists need to avoid unnecessary risks, and to behave properly as well.
(In my opinion, many 'professional' cyclists have even worse attitudes than
SUV drivers)
c)       Enforce the law on motorists and cyclists. Motorists who offend
against cyclists should be shamed, with their names and details of the case
getting as much publicity in the papers as other unacceptable behaviour such
as maid-abuse. Aggressive or even negligent behaviour by motorists can
easily cost a cyclist his/her life, and this anti-social aspect should be
highlighted.

Anyone using bicycle as their means of transport in Singapore takes their
life in their hands at the moment. Like the rest of the planet, Singapore
needs to have cycling as a viable alternative to car and public transport.
This has energy, emissions, transportation, societal, personal health and
cost advantages.

However, walking is an even more fundamental means of mobility. I do not
think that giving cyclists free reign on the pavements is the right
solution.

With best wishes,


Brendan Finn.
____________________________________________________________________________
_______________________
Tel : +353.87.2530286     e-mail : etts at indigo.ie

-----Original Message-----
From: sustran-discuss-bounces+etts=indigo.ie at list.jca.apc.org
[mailto:sustran-discuss-bounces+etts=indigo.ie at list.jca.apc.org]On Behalf Of
chuwa
Sent: 26 March 2005 16:55
To: sustran-discuss at list.jca.apc.org
Subject: [sustran] Cycling on Pavements - public debate on Singapore
govermentfeedback unit

Currently, cyclists are prohibited from cycling on pavements. Offenders can
face a fine of up to $1,000 or a jail term for up to 3 months. However, the
authorities are looking into the possibility of relaxing this rule, said
Senior Minister of State for Law and Home Affairs Ho Peng Kee.
The re-think came about after several MPs raised the plight of the cyclists.
One such MP who has been advocating a change of this particular rule for the
last 3 years is Tampines GRC MP Irene Ng.
The main reason for this change is the apparent danger that cyclists face in
the form of the ever increasing number of vehicles on our roads. The number
of accidents involving cyclists has also been rising in the past few years.
If changes are made to this particular rule, the safety of pedestrians would
not be compromised. A Traffic Police spokesman said that other appropriate
rules "would have to be put in place to ensure everyone's safety".
What do you think of the idea to allow cyclists on our pavements? Let's hear
your views.
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to view the current on-going debate, please follow this link:
http://app.feedback.gov.sg/asp/dis/dis0003.asp?topicId=1881&catId=921
<http://app.feedback.gov.sg/asp/dis/dis0003.asp?topicId=1881&catId=921>
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