A 71-year-old woman is recovering after suffering serious facial injuries when she was allegedly hit from behind by a cyclist on a shared pavement in Pasir Ris.
The incident happened on Dec. 10 near Pasir Ris Mall, just outside Pasir Ris Polyclinic. According to a Facebook post by her husband, Frank Singam, the cyclist was a platform rider who struck her from behind, causing her to fall face-first onto the concrete pavement.
Her chin absorbed the full impact of the fall.
Sustained three jaw fractures and underwent surgery
She was taken to Changi General Hospital, where doctors later confirmed that she had sustained three fractures to her jaw. She underwent surgery on Dec. 12, during which implants were inserted to stabilise the fractures. Her jaw was locked to facilitate recovery, and she has been restricted to a liquid diet.
Singam previously said that even the attending doctor described the fractures as serious. He added that the injuries could have been far worse, noting that his wife was wearing glasses at the time of the fall and could have suffered more severe facial injuries. She could also have snapped her neck if she had landed differently.
In a separate Facebook post shared later, Singam provided an update on his wife’s condition. He said scans showed that her fractures were settling well and that she was discharged from the hospital and will continue treatment as an outpatient.
However, he added that the implants will take weeks to be removed and that the family is hoping for full jaw functionality in about three months’ time.
Concerns raised over safety on shared pavements
The couple had recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and had planned to continue the celebrations with family members in the United States. Those plans were cancelled following the incident.
While expressing gratitude for the well-wishes and medical care his wife received, Singam said his concerns over safety on shared pavements remain. He said the issue with the authorities and what he described as irresponsible personal mobility device and personal mobility aid operators was ongoing.
He has called for stronger enforcement and deterrent penalties against riders who endanger pedestrians, and urged the public to help protect vulnerable groups such as seniors and children by reporting dangerous riding behaviour.
Safety concern not isolated to this incident
This is not the first time pedestrians have been seriously injured or killed in accidents involving personal mobility devices.
In September 2019, a 65-year-old woman died after she was severely injured when she collided with an electric scooter rider in Bedok. The scooter involved was later found to be non-compliant with regulations, and the case was investigated as causing death by a rash act.
Another case saw an 88-year-old woman die after an accident involving a power-assisted bicycle in Hougang. She was taken unconscious to the hospital and died a day later from her injuries.
These incidents have sparked ongoing debate about shared pathways, rider behaviour, and whether current rules and enforcement are sufficient to protect pedestrians.
