Give and take attitude needed for safe cycling on pavements and roads

In Singapore , despite it being an advance and rich country, bicycle related issues seem to be often in the news.

Recently , we had news on controversial purchase of bicycles and also rampant bicycle thefts. It seems that here in Singapore , bicycle is treasured item and is a much sought after commodity and the thieves also know that where else in most other countries bicycles are reserved for the poorest in the society.

Also in the news recently is the issue on cyclist safety.

As we already know, bicycles is an important mode of transport in compact Singapore and they are also use as leisure sports. Since we do not have any dedicated lanes for cylists, inevitably cyclists have to either use the roads or pavements of which they will come into conflict with vehicles and pedestrians respectively.

This is possible provided everyone has 'a give and take' attitude which is seriously lacking in Singapore society where road using is concern. For instance, cyclists using the pavements should be mindful of pedestrians and should not continuously ringing the bell and speed recklessly. They should adopt the attitude that the pavement is a shared area whereby the cylists and pedestrians have to use it harmoniously. This is simple on paper but difficult to implement as people's mindset is difficult to change.

Another instance is cyclists using the roads have to be mindful of their safety as they are the most vulnerable. No doubt road safety is everyone concern but in this instance cyclists have to have the correct mindset , cycle defensively for the sake of their own safety in the already crowded roads of Singapore. They have to follow road rules and regulations just like any other road users and attitudes such as ' I got the right of way., bang me if you dare' must be discarded.

Only after all road users have the correct mindset, correct ' give and take attitude', only then you will some improvement to most issues which no amount of rules and regulations or govt intervention can substitute.

- Lau Kim Lon