A new set of rules has officially come into effect in Singapore, prohibiting cyclists from riding on paths designated solely for pedestrians. This change, which began enforcement on Tuesday, July 1, has prompted mixed reactions from path users across the island. While some pedestrians have welcomed the new measures, many cyclists are voicing concerns that the ban feels unfair.
Under these new regulations, bicycles and non-motorised personal mobility devices (PMDs), such as kick-scooters, are now strictly prohibited from lanes adjacent to cycling paths, as these have been officially designated as pedestrian-only zones. However, it’s important to note that personal mobility aids, such as mobility scooters and motorised wheelchairs, are still permitted on these pedestrian-only paths, provided they adhere to speed limits.
For those who violate the ban, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) has set clear penalties: first-time offenders could face a fine of up to S$2,000, a jail term of up to three months, or both.
Despite this, most of the 15 cyclists and pedestrians interviewed by CNA on the first day admitted they were largely unaware of these specific penalties.
Cyclists express frustrations at new rules
Many cyclists approached by CNA shared their frustration, finding the new rule confusing. They argued that enforcement should also extend to pedestrians who frequently walk on cycling lanes.
Mr. Tan Kay Sing, an 81-year-old who cycles more than 20km daily, questioned the new approach: “If you don’t fine the pedestrians, they will walk onto the cycling lane, then where will the cyclists go?” He added that he finds the current system contradictory, as cyclists often find themselves having to ride on footpaths to avoid pedestrians who have strayed onto cycling paths.
Ms. Gwendolyn Chow, 53, who cycles for leisure three times a week, echoed this sentiment: “I have no problem keeping to the (cycling) lane. But I think it’s not fair that pedestrians, many of them, stray onto the cycling path.”
Similarly, PMD rider Dayalan Sathasiyam, 47, expressed the need to constantly watch out for distracted pedestrians, observing, “They always look at their phones, but they don’t know what is coming in front of them.”
Another 28-year-old food delivery rider, Faikal, outright called the ban “ridiculous,” admitting, “Obviously, I will be careful now, don’t get fined,” as he had not heard about the new rules until that day.
New rules are to protect vulnerable pedestrians
The LTA’s primary rationale for this move is the safety of more vulnerable pedestrians, including seniors and children.
Singapore currently boasts over 200km of cycling lanes that run alongside footpaths, and it was these footpaths that the LTA converted into pedestrian-only lanes late last year. The grace period for adjustment to these new rules concluded on July 1.
Speaking to the media, Minister of State for Transport Baey Yam Keng emphasised that enforcement is always the ‘last resort’. He further appealed for mutual consideration, adding that he hopes that everybody, whether cyclists, personal mobility users or pedestrians, can all look out for one another and take care of themselves.
Mr Steven Lim, vice-president for safety and education at the Singapore Cycling Federation and member of the Active Mobility Advisory Panel, told CNA he understands cyclists’ frustrations but urged people to consider the reasons behind such rules.
He noted that bicycles and mobility devices were first allowed on footpaths in 2016. But nearly a decade later, with an ageing population and rising use of personal mobility devices, the situation has changed.
“So hence came the idea of, why don’t we make the footpath next to the cycling path a pedestrian-only path, so that you can segregate the two different type of users and in a way, protect each other,” he explained.
Mr Lim hopes the ban is “just the beginning” of fostering better behaviour.
“Hopefully, one day we can all become more gracious, we can be more tolerant towards each other … and we don’t even need to have segregated facilities,” he said.
Pedestrians welcome the enforcement
From the pedestrian’s perspective, the enforcement has largely been welcomed. Ms. Regina, a 59-year-old Ang Mo Kio resident, commented, “Cyclists are supposed to ride on that side, not this side, but still they will come,” and recounted having to move out of the way multiple times.
Ms. Joanne Tan, 38, also recognised the role pedestrians play, admitting, “Sometimes, we also walk (on the cycling lane), also our fault,” and stated her intention to stick more to the pedestrian-only lanes.
In a media fact sheet on Tuesday, LTA said its enforcement officers and volunteers have been educating active mobility users on proper path usage since August last year.
Last month, it also launched the Stay on Track campaign to remind the public to stick to their designated paths.
“Through our multi-prong approach of engagement, education and enforcement, we hope to encourage all path users to play their part in creating a safer and more gracious environment for active mobility,” it said.
