USE OF PATHWAYS AND WALKWAYS

USE OF PATHWAYS AND WALKWAYS

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(Implementation of safety measures): **

28.

Mr Zaqy Mohamad asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs (a) what measures are put in place to keep pathways and walkways safe for children and the elderly from the indiscriminate use of bicycles and motorcycles; (b) whether the there are plans to put in place formal regulations or enforcement officials, other than the dependence on volunteer citizens to monitor the situation; and (c) whether there are also plans to coordinate enforcement efforts with the Town Councils and NParks for pathways that are linked to areas under their responsibilities.

Mr Wong Kan Seng: Under the Road Traffic Rules, vehicles including bicycles and motorcycles are prohibited on footways. The only exemption to this prohibition is at Tampines, where a trial to allow cyclists on footways is ongoing. In 2007, Police issued more than 630 summonses to cyclists and motorcyclists for riding on footways. In the same year, Police also issued 210 summonses to cyclists who were riding in a disorderly manner. These offences are usually compounded by payment of $20.

In addition, a cyclist or a motorcyclist who rides in a manner that endangers others can be prosecuted for rash riding on a public way under Section 279 of the Penal Code. He may also be prosecuted under Sections 336 and 337 of the Penal Code for rashly or negligently endangering human life or the personal safety of others. The punishment for these offences includes an imprisonment term of up to one year, or a fine up to $5,000, or both. These provisions apply to cyclists or motorcyclists who ride recklessly or indiscriminately on any public way, including footways, park connectors, car parks and HDB void decks.

The Traffic Police has also worked with grassroots organisations and the Singapore Amateur Cycling Association to introduce several road safety education measures to promote responsible cycling. On the whole, the current situation is under control. Accidents between pedal cyclists and pedestrians on footways which cause injuries are rare. Over the past three years, there were only two accidents causing slight injuries which were reported to the Police.

The Member has also asked about the role of the Police vis-a-vis volunteers, Town Councils and NParks in dealing with errant cyclists. Let me reiterate that the Police, and not civilian volunteers, are responsible for enforcement. As I have mentioned, the Police is responsible for enforcing the traffic rule prohibiting cycling or riding on footways, with a focus on taking action against reckless cycling or riding under the Penal Code. The cycling wardens deployed at Tampines for the trial study was a grassroots initiative. Their role is to provide advice and reminders to cyclists on the drive in that town to share the footways with pedestrians. If necessary, they may also report incidents of reckless cycling to the Police.

The Police have a close working relationship with the Town Councils and NParks and will also leverage on existing platforms with RCs and CCCs to ensure that the efforts of all parties are effective in reducing indiscriminate use of vehicles on footways.