Crossing a junction on bicycle

Crossing a typical junction (with side lanes) is quite simple on road. You just need to be aware of cars turning into the side lane when approaching. You will also need to be aware of impatient cars that will cut across your path at the first half of the crossing. After crossing, you will need to be aware of cars coming out from side lanes. Meanwhile, always keep a lookout for cars behind.

Crossing the same junction from a PCN is a quite different game. Upon approaching the side lane, you need to watch out for traffic from the front, left and right of the pedestrian walkway, behind,  and cars coming in to the side lanes. You will also need to look carefully on the ground for uneven surface as many such crossings are not as smooth as you think. Try to cross the side lane at junction between Sembawang Ave and Camberra Link on PCN in the direction towards Camberra and you will know what I mean. The short ramp is almost 45 degrees. You will even have to be aware of falling tree branches if it rains.

Upon reaching the island at the junction you will need to look out for traffic coming to and from the right if that corner's Green Man light is on.

When it is time to cross the road, you will face with another problem if the number of people crossing is big. The pedestrians usually ignores your presence. You will have no choice but to cycle at their speed. The keep to the left rule is almost non existing. People can cross you on the left and right. They can also change sides without notice. They can even stop to decide which way to go right in your path. It is generally not polite to ring your bell if the crowd is big. They don't actually bother that much about the Red Man turning on once they started.

Pedestrian crossings are designed such that you are given about 30 seconds or less to cross. On some busy roads, LTA have to install a card reading device for elderly people to tap their card to extend the time a bit more. Generally, the time starts when Green Man light is on. If you miss the short time frame, You will have to wait for the Green traffic light to Red. Then wait for the turning light to turn Red, Then wait for bus exit light (on some bus interchange exit) to turn red. Finally, you have to wait for the opposite traffic light to do exactly the same before the Green Man Light will turn on. I can tell you, on some busy roads or crazy junction this may take a few minutes just for your slot of  less than 30 seconds. It is, after all, a road crossings isn't it.

On reaching the other island of the junction, you must be aware that there are people who will change their direction to cross over to the other road. They will just turn towards it without noticing your presence. Worse of all, they will just stop there blocking your way. Unlike pedestrians, we can't change direction easily thus there is no way to cycle around them on the island like other pedestrians. We are unhappy that they block our way, they are unhappy that they have to move for you. It is a lose-lose situation.

Ok. You finally reach the last section of the crossing. You will still have to worry about traffics from pedestrian walk way and PCN coming towards you. As there is no distinct divide of the path, they can come from all directions. Also you will need to be aware of cyclists and pedestrians changing their path in front and behind you. Finally you will still have to be aware of cars on the side lanes ignoring your rights. Please do not forget about the condition of the path way. The pathway for PCN are usually painted brown. It is much harder to distinguish the curb from ramps. There is a particular spot near Yishun that have so many scratch marks on the curb that you wonder how many bicycles mistaken that it is a ram and try to go near it and then realize the mistake.

After one such crossing, you will get so tired that you will loathe the next couple of crossings to come.