Cycling Rules

A set of rules were implemented for all cyclists in Singapore. This rule will govern the behavior of the cyclists. Rules are actually for the good of the cyclists. However, humans tends to take it as inhibitions. The result is that they will conveniently ignore the rules and do it their own way. This results in a number of extra accidents due to errant cycling.

Rules are good only if they are observed. It is pointless to talk about rules when people do not want to observe it. On the road, groups of cyclists tends to block the road regardless of faster cars behind them. They charge the red light thinking that they are king of the road. They shout at other slower cyclists to give way to them. They go on the middle of the road.

On the cycling path, they zoom regardless of the speed limit. They scream at people blocking their way. They speed pass you without warning. They ignore the pedestrian crossing. They ring their bells as if they are the only ones that have rights. etc.

Even when we observe the cycling rule on the road there is no guarantee that we are safe. Motorists cut across your path dangerously. They horn at you because you are slow. They go dangerously pass you at close quarters. They harass you by going side by side with you for no reason. They even tried to squeeze you out of the road by going nearer and nearer to you. Some are so malicious that they speed pass cyclists and then suddenly stops in front of them

All these happens despite there are rules. Luckily not many people does it this way. I see motorists tailing cyclists instead of passing them dangerously. I see motorists patiently let cyclist pass by on their right. I see motorists wave cyclists on despite they have the right of the way. I see motorists encourages cyclists to go on.

Rules does not govern every aspects of cycling. What if there are gray areas. For example, both cyclists and pedestrians have the right to go on PCN. PCN rules are quite straight forward. Speed limit is 15 KPH and always keep to the left. They don't say how many person can go side by side. They don't tell you how you should behave with other people around you.

There are lots of people who do not know what to do on PCN. It applies to cyclists and pedestrians alike. Pedestrians are not aware that they are sharing the road with cyclists. They tends to go in big groups. They walk in the middle of the path., They are not aware of faster moving users behind them. They do not know how to behave when cyclists approach them in front or behind. They often split up their group by going on the left and right when cyclists approach them thus making it more difficult for the cyclists. They do not respond to bells to give way. They cross from one side to the other without looking out for cyclists. They walk on cycling paths when there is a pedestrian path just beside it.

Cyclists on the other hand does not act kindly to pedestrians. They ring their bells as if they are the only one that have rights. They do not slow down for other path users. They are rude to other users. They also go in groups instead of single file. They speed on the path.

My conclusion to cycling rules is that we should follow the rules and waive our rights to facilitate other users. If the road is congested, by all means give motorist the rights to move on faster. Give way and wave them on if possible. Use hand gestures to show your appreciation of them. Keep a keen lookout for wayward motorists. Don't show your anger at them who do not follow the rule.

On PCN, just be patient with ignorant path users. They may not even know how to behave with cyclists around. Try not to ring the bells unnecessary. Use verbal gestures if necessary. Follow them till there is an opening for you to pass. Do not be angry at those who do not give way or block your way.