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Just recently, LTA made a ban for all e-scooters on footpaths, forcing the users to convert to e-bikes or bicycles and use the road. Within 2 weeks, I’ve observed near accidents and witnessed an accident where the cyclist without lights and helmet — cycled against traffic near a junction — causing the accident and went onto the sidewalk and cycled away.
Singapore is a country where supercars are often seen on the roads, and sometimes you can hear them accelerating between traffic lights. With a mix of fast and slow vehicles, and LTA forcing more bicycles and e-bicycles on the roads, there is a even stronger need some form of “highway code” for road users to understand how to use roads safely.
I have spoken to several elderly cyclists who cycle in any direction of traffic convenient to them. I have informed them about the importance of lights and helmets, but most of them ignored me as it is additional costs and hassle which can be easily stolen if they left it on their bicycles. They informed me that they have cycled for years and not been hit by a car, and asks, “If government does not legislate this, why do I bother?”
Many of them like to cycle against traffic as they can see oncoming traffic, and they did not seem to care when I inform them that it is not easy for motorists cannot to check for them if they cycle…
