Active Mobility Advisory Panel Recommendation

AMA recommended to reduce cycling speed on footpaths to 10 KPH and mandatory helmet on roads. It provoked quite a stir in the cycling community even resulted in the resignation of a member of the panel.

The reduction from 15 KPH to 10 KPH is probably in view of the increase of accidents between PMDs and pedestrians. It is quite difficult to judge whether it is appropriate as 10 KPH is considered very slow to cyclists. However, if it endangers pedestrians even on 15 KPH, it is for the good of pedestrians.

Dutch cycling rule prohibits cycling on footpaths and walkways. They have the most cyclist population. Their consideration is appropriate to protect pedestrians. However, they have extensive dedicated cycling paths which we are trying to achieve. In view of this, cycling on footpaths and walkways is an alternative but if it cause more injuries to pedestrians, the compromise should be to reduce speed.

I used to commute around and often encounters a lot of pedestrians on footpaths. It is almost impossible to cycle greater than 10 KPH. At times, I have to just patiently follow elderly folks at their speed. I don't advocate using bells to get people to give way. They have the same right to use the path. Moreover, pedestrians do not have "keep left" rule. They can any how walk on the footpath. Often two or more people will give way to both sides and I have to slowly inch forward between them so as not to accidentally make contact.

Obviously, if the footpath is empty then the law should close one eye and allow faster speeds. It should be a responsible cycling style rather than a regulated cycling style.

On mandatory cycling helmets on road. It is a very controversial issue. On the one end it is to provide some form of protection. On the other, it is not convenient for many users. For myself, I always wear helmets regardless. No big fuss about it.

For the Dutch, they have extensive cycling path. Cyclists are mostly shielded from other vehicles. In Singapore, we are just plainly underdogs on roads. Cycling helmet does not prevent accident. It is just trying to reduce injuries for minor accidents. I fell a number of times. If not for the helmet, I probably have a number of head injuries. I don't fully agree with mandatory helmet rule but I do highly recommends wearing one.