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

[Todd Alexander Litman]

You may find useful information in our paper "Managing Personal Mobility 
Devices (PMDs) On Nonmotorized Facilities" 
(http://www.vtpi.org/man_nmt_fac.pdf). In this context bicycles are defined 
as Personal Mobility Devices. Please let me know if you have feedback on 
it. I'm planning to update that paper soon.


Best wishes,
-Todd Litman



At 02:18 PM 3/28/2005 +0100, Brendan Finn wrote:

>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.
>
>-------------------------------------
>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
>
>
>================================================================
>SUSTRAN-DISCUSS is a forum devoted to discussion of people-centred, 
>equitable and sustainable transport with a focus on developing countries 
>(the 'Global South'). Because of the history of the list, the main focus 
>is on urban transport policy in Asia.


Sincerely,
Todd Litman, Director
Victoria Transport Policy Institute
"Efficiency - Equity - Clarity"
1250 Rudlin Street
Victoria, BC, V8V 3R7, Canada
Phone & Fax: 250-360-1560
Email: litman at vtpi.org
Website: http://www.vtpi.org