Safety Video tips by Transport of London which SG can learn from

If you just want to see this TFL video, scroll down all the way. 

In the social medial space daily we see many arguments on safety and how drivers action makes cycling dangerous and how cyclists ignore rules and cycle on red light. 
Sadly our agencies are still not too clear about communicating on safety issues on the roads, especially on the cyclists perspective. 
It seems like no one agency is owning the Cycling piece. 
Try goggling these keywords. "Cycling safety in Singapore and rules".  This wordy link by Singapore Police force pops up first on the search engine and also this video link at the end. I think it's looking really sad. 
I embedded it here so many can see the video.    
  Ok, perhaps I am too critical. It's a start but it really felt like a SHELL CSR advertisement.
Here's another absure video link in the document I found as well. 
Better presented.  

Its all too easy to complain and say how things are not good. It's a national Singapore trait I suppose haha.... jokes aside. 
I reflected on myself and asked..... Could it be made better and communicate clearly to all how to be safe on the roads. I want to share a video tips by Transport of London - SG equivalent of LTA.
It is really a good information(without fluff) for both cyclists, motorists and Drivers. It will help reduce the friction and misunderstanding.  The format and presentation is clear and easy to understand. There is no ambiguity and clearly states out how we can all do our part to make the roads safe.  Watch it and tell me what you think.


Lastly, I do hope with the newly formed National Cycling Plan Committe (which the general public have no knowledge what's happening/ who's involved); can take a leadership role in making cycling safer for all. Cycling is not just on the PCN but also on the roads and may I say...gasp.... pavements too.
I strongly believe every cyclists wants to follow the traffic rules but it seems the current road situation leaves much to be desired. Perhaps with a video similar to the above TFL version, the situation can be slowly reversed. 

Singapore National Cyclists say YES to bike lanes

Road cyclists spend lots of time on the road and unlike many countries, Singapore does not have a velodrome nor country roads where there are lesser cars or traffic lights. The usual spot for cycle training like the Changi coastal road are increasingly getting into the news with cyclists getting run over by cars/ trucks. It's scary sometimes to be out cycling.... and frankly it is a ticking time bomb.
It is getting quite crowded and the roads is not exactly safe. Last year, a lady national cyclist, Dinah Chan had a bad traffic accident while training.  This is how she look after the accident and she is a very experienced rider.....

Screen grab from Todayonline.com

In a most amazing comeback, she managed to recover in time and got gold (30km time trial) in the 2013 SEA games.  

Screen grab from Todayonline.com

This begs the question, shouldn't more be done for our national cyclists and perhaps even a velodrome? Heck, super crowded HongKong even has one now.   So what gives?
Oh wow.. Dinah is also now training at HK velodrome....  I think thats pretty sad.

Dinah Chan, Photo credit by today online

Despite all the challenges, I see more and more cyclists on the road, PCN and parks. The most heartening news from the "roadies" is this. They are the OCBC sponsored riders and not just racing. They are also helping to share safety cycling awareness at the school. And yes, finally for the record. They expressed that cycling lane would help make it safer!
Lastly, I wonder with better cycling conditions... perhaps SG can get their very own cycling World champion? Will that be wishful thinking on our side or the agencies are already on it?  What do you think?

Taken from Yahoo sports page.

Thought of the day

It was drizzling slightly on my way to work so I decided to park at IMM and walk instead. As I waited for the green man, I met a grand pa with his grandson. They were on the way to Creative technology child care. The elderly gentleman smiled and I smiled back in return. The lucky grandson was sitting there contently. This is just a normal day to school.
As they rode off and along the pavement. My thoughts were, this(cycling) is a great way to move around. The busy traffic buzzed me by and a thought bubble formed... "could we take it slow a little, show a little consideration for everyone. Watch out for the weak and vulnerable. We all will grow old someday. "

LTA speaks on road safety and "Black spot Scheme"

Taken from LTA FB page

Taken from LTA Facebook communications on 5th May. 
"LTA takes proactive measures to keep our roads safe. Our road safety engineers conduct regular safety audits, where they comb through our roads, day and night, walking and driving, to identify short-comings. We also have schemes like the Black Spot Programme, which systematically identifies and treats accident-prone locations through the implementation of road engineering solutions at targeted locations. 
Other notable schemes to improve road safety include the installation of Your-Speed-Signs, traffic calming measures, crash cushions, curve alignment markers, advance warning lights and bus stop bollards. 
As the agency responsible for the development and management of the public road network, we take our work seriously, keeping Singapore’s roads safe for all road users."

Maybe LTA team can consider looking at what we have already done as a community...  Do you think more can be done to make our roads safe? I just find it crazy that LTA can have electronic eyes setup to curb illegal parking but still moving so slowing when it come to protecting the cyclists. What do you think? 

19th Feb 2013 Dr Faishal meets with road cyclists

Photo credit. Chanel new asia

Session in action. Photo Credit Dr Faishal FB 

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1255805/1/.html

Notes of Engagement Session with Dr Faishal Ibrahim, Parliamentary Secretary for Transport (Road Safety for Cyclists)
19th Feb 2013, LavaEdge @ MacRitchie
In Attendance:Adriane Lee, Allen Chew (CycleKakis), Albert Yeo (FOTR), Kenneth Wee (Bike School SG), Steven Lim (SCTF), Calvin BooDr Faishal Ibrahim, Sim Hwee Keng (MOT), Bili Yang (MOT), Teo Kwang Liak (LTA)Absent with Apologies:Glen Kenny (ANZA)


Meeting minutes complied by Calvin Boo

Education:Engaging Heavy Vehicle Drivers
Given the recent spate of fatal incidents involving large and medium sized moving vehicles, this group of drivers should receive highly targeted education about watching out for other vulnerable road users, keeping a safe distance, and making the extra effort to check their blind spots. A mere brush from these vehicles is enough to send a cyclist to his death. 
Education should be a continuing process, and reminders / refreshers are needed to reinforce the messages. We also recommend LTA to evaluate and implement the compulsory use of additional side mirrors on these vehicles to enhance visibility of blind spots (much like third brake light - if the technology accords additional safety, use it).Actively engage motorists / road users in continuing education campaign.We hear LTA's point about radio talk show. The plain truth is that a 2-minute spot in a radio talk show does not work - your target audience have to be tuned into the right station at that specific point in time, the message is not capable of repeating itself, and it reaches only a very small segment of road users.
An above-the-line campaign is needed (i.e. print and press), so that the message is highly visible, and reach the widest possible scope of intended audience. 
Ideally, this should be designed as a periodic campaign (twice-yearly should be the minimum), not a one-time attempt to convey some very important messages. 
A message from TP promoting road safety for all road users is just as important as the message against drunk driving.The three key arms of the on-going education campaign:1. Key messages for motorists. There is widespread perception that cyclists have no place on the roads. Coupled with a sense of entitlement among motorists ("because I pay COE + tax"), this turns into a dangerous mental frame of mind. As a result, you read comments in online forums along the tone of "I'll run over those pesky cyclists if I see one". Truly very disturbing. [Note: Personally, I have been almost run down twice by drivers who purposely come close to my handlebars - this at 5am in the morning when there are three lanes of empty road!].
A campaign is needed to convey the following key messages to motorists:
a. Cyclists have a right to use the roads
b. Keep a safe distance
c. Don't underestimate the speed of a travelling bicycle
2. Key message for all road users. 
At all pedestrian crossings (both green man and zebra crossing), those on foot and on two wheels must be reminded:a. Do not assume right of wayb. Practice stop-look-go at all crossingsc. Pay attention to moving vehiclesd. Cross only when approaching vehicle has come to a complete stop
3. Key messages for cyclists. We recognize a bicycle is also a vehicle, and hence subject to the same rules as other road users.a. Observe all traffic rulesb. Keep to the left lane, unless changing direction of travelc. Do not hog the laned. Use hand signals to signal your intention

Engaging the Hard-to-reach Road Users (e.g. Foreign workers, aunties and uncles)These groups are the ones with the lowest level of road preparedness, skills and etiquette, but there's no denying them the right to use the roads. Incentive could be given out in the form of a pair of lights (front+back) when they sign up and attend a road safety course. A pair of durable bicycle lights can be had for $3 - a small investment that will reap benefits many times it's cost. It helps to have lights on a FW's bike when he's riding towards you in the darkness, dressed in nothing but black.

Making Road Safety a part of Education Curriculum
Numerous traffic calming measures introduced in other countries will work very well in our setting.
Factors (b), (c) and (d) above can be addressed via active road user education.
Factor (e) - We urge LTA to urgently re-evaluate existing zebra crossing designs before something terribly tragic happens. In road design, speed and capacity should never be more important than safety
.Majority of our roads are not only cyclist-unfriendly, the road designs also puts cyclists in extreme danger. Multi-lane one way roads force some cyclists to ride against traffic, because the 'legitimate' route to their destination sometimes adds considerable number of kilometers of distance and additional travel time. A cyclist travelling down Orchard Road who wishes to turn into Penang Lane have to cut across 5 lanes of fast-flowing traffic. We can work with LTA to identify such hotspots and address possible changes / measures that will help enhance safety.Law:
Enforcement against errant drivers needs to be stepped up further. Zebra crossing offences are on the rise, and offenders are getting away because no one polices the crossings.Enforcement against errant cyclists should also be stepped up, especially against those who beat the red lights and those who ride against flow of traffic. In cities like London, a ticketed cyclist can either pay up or attend a road safety course. This is an example we can emulate - we should not collect fines for the sake of collecting fines, all effort should be made to turn that into an opportunity to re-educate road users.

Good habits are best taught to the young, as they more readily internalize the lessons taught. Early engagement with the right education is an effective way to cultivate a road culture with all the positive qualities we'd like to see. Furthermore, the young can influence their family and friends, and can be a powerful network for information dissemination.

Currently, our school-going children only spend a grand total of ONE day on road safety throughout their entire six years of primary education. We can achieve much more by making road safety education an annual event for students in P1-P6. Much as other subjects, new skills and knowledge are introduced progressively across the years, and old skills and knowledge are reinforced. The Bikeability program run by the UK Dept for Transport (the equivalent of MoT) or Bike School SG's Bike Smart are highly structured cycling safety education programmes which are worth a deeper look.
This education programme should also be extended to students from secondary and tertiary levels, as the teenage years are when they gain more independence and begin to take to the roads by themselves.
Infrastructure:

A reminder to all road users to share the roads. Maybe paint a bike logo over the bus lane, or install road signs to remind all motorists to share the roads. The signs installed in Sentosa is a good example. This also serves to reinforce the message that use of road is not the exclusive rights of motorised vehicles only.
Our infrastructure has not kept pace with technology and behavioural shifts:
a) Modern vehicles suspension systems are so advanced and the cabins so well insulated that painted road strips neither cause discomfort nor slow vehicles down.
b) Drivers have to deal with multiple technological distractions while driving - GPS unit, central LCD console, mobile phone, LCD TV - in addition to passengers in the cars
c) Pedestrians on foot have a tendency to talk on their phone, deeply engrossed with listening to music, or worse, bury their faces in the smartphone oblivious to the danger in their surroundings.
d) It is not uncommon to see a Foreign Worker cycling with a mobile phone stuck to his ear or worse, texting while cycling!
e) Our pedestrian & zebra crossings are underwhelmingly underdesigned for safety - no features currently exist that force a vehicle to slow down without choice.

(a)+(b)+(c)+(d)+(e) = a lethal mix of causes and factors that will result in fatal accidents.
Factor (a) - We cannot undo technological advances by car manufacturers, but we can implement new road mechanisms to enhance the sensory feedback to drivers.
An examples was given where TP has been sending out mixed messages to cyclists - a family was ticketed/warned for cycling on the pavement in Sengkang, and again while they were cycling on the roads in Tampines. Clearly, TP needs to be clear with regards to rules, and be consistent when it comes to enforcement.
Clarifications are needed regarding 1. Cycling in bus lanes 2. Cycling on viaducts and 3. Cycling on pavements.

Re-evaluate qualifying conditions for overseas drivers license conversion.The current process for converting a foreign drivers license into a Singapore license fails to take into account the cultural background of the driver. Eastern Europe, Russia, China, for example, have very different driving cultures from ours. For example, we see a lot of bus drivers from PRC who drive aggressively merely because it is acceptable for them to do so in where they come from! All foreign licensed drivers should go through and pass a cultural immersion course before being allowed to drive on our roads.

Compiled by Calvin Boo 22 Feb 2013

Open Letter to CEO SBS Transit, CEO SMRT, Minister of Transport, Parl Sec for Transport

Open Letter to CEO SBS Transit, CEO SMRT, Minister of Transport, Parl Sec for Transport

Calvin is a cyclocommuter in Singapore. Yes. There is such a thing there in Singapore and more are taking to cycling to work.  This is what he face at times on the road. Do u have the same problem?  Things are not moving and he decided to send a message to those who can effect change. Let's see if there will be a reply.  This is what he wrote.

to: ceo@sbstransit.com.sg, desmondkuek@smrt.com.sg, MUHAMMAD_FAISHAL@MOH.GOV.SG, LUI_TUCK_YEW@MOT.GOV.SG

cc: hock_yong_chew@lta.gov.sg, mcslim@lta.gov.sg, IRENENG@ISEAS.EDU.SG, TEO_SER_LUCK@MTI.GOV.SG, safecyclesg@gmail.com

Dear CEO SBS Transit and CEO SMRT,

I write to you on behalf of all cyclists who have been belittled, bullied and even run off the roads by your bus drivers on the road.

Within the past week, I managed to capture two incidents involving your bus drivers on video (see link below). I have written to SBS Transit in the past regarding similar incidences (ref: 2012/Feb/0666 & 2012/Jan/1692).

SMRT bus drivers, though not captured in this video, are equally guilty of the same boorish behaviour. I submitted a feedback via the SMRT website on regarding an incident involving Service #852 TIB671X on 11 Oct 2012, but received not a single reply. How very appalling.

This is not meant to generalize all bus drivers as road bullies - in fact, most drivers whom I encounter are courteous and considerate - but it only takes a few black sheep in your entire pool of bus drivers to tarnish the good work of the others, and endanger the lives of all whom they encounter on the roads.

As public transport operators, both of you have the biggest number of big vehicles collectively plying our roads from dawn to midnight, and you owe every road user the diligence and duty to operate the vehicles with due consideration for our safety, especially the vulnerable ones on foot or on two wheels.

None of us wish to be fodder for the wheels of your buses, so please educate your drivers to give way and to give room (1.5 metres is all we ask, and that is in the driving theory book) when they are around vulnerable road users. A little consideration and patience saves lives.

Dear Minister Lui and Dr Faishal,

I was there at one of the LTMP focus group discussions in Oct/Nov last year. You have already publicly stated your priority for off-road cycling, and not road cycling. Not a word has been heard since the discussions ended, but I am not waiting with bated breath to hear any good news from you or from LTA.

But I do hope this video (see link below) will convey very clearly the hair-raising encounters cyclists have to endure everyday on our roads, and maybe earn some of your empathy to re-think your position. No, we do not want, nor even wish for, a dedicated bicycle lane; all that most of us ask for are more stringent laws and harsher sentences that will incentivize good driver behaviour and which will serve to protect our backs. The sentences meted out in accidents where drivers have killed cyclists only shows how grossly cheap our lives are. In mind-boggling contrast, a petty thief gets more jail time than a drunk driver who takes the life of a cyclist.

This I say with no disrespect, Sirs - You can choose to address a very real and existent problem, or just simply ignore it. If you opt for the latter, the next time the life of another road cyclist is cruelly taken, I hope you will remember that you HAD the power to save lives.

I have uploaded a video of the two incidences to Youtube http://youtu.be/g3O2RwgBqQg for your edification. Watch carefully, and do try to imagine the 4-foot tall spinning bus wheels passing alongside you just inches away - that is certainly not a nice place where you would want to be.

Sincerely,

Calvin Boo

Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim Replies to Parliamentary Questions on Road Safety and Cycling

MOT - In Parliament, 10-Sep-2012 Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim Replies to Parliamentary Questions on Road Safety and Cycling Parliamentary Question 8, Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong: To ask the Minister for Transport (a) whether cycling is included in the Ministry's transport and infrastructure policy; (b) whether the Ministry has planned for the rising number of cyclists on the roads; and (c) whether a comprehensive and coordinated national strategy to promote cycling as a mode of transport will be introduced, including developing bike-friendly infrastructure and a regulatory framework for cycling. Parliamentary Question 9, Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong: To ask the Minister for Transport whether the Ministry has conducted a systematic study on how other developed cities with busy roads have integrated cycling into the traffic system with a coordinated network of lanes, road signages, road markings and traffic signals and, if so, what practical lessons have been drawn that can be implemented in Singapore. Parliamentary Question 10, Dr Janil Puthucheary: To ask the Minister for Transport (a) what measures does the Ministry intend to adopt to increase the safety of cyclists and reduce the risk of accidents on the roads; (b) whether the Ministry foresees a greater proportion of Singaporeans utilising cycling primarily as a means of transport; and (c) if so, how does the Ministry intend to plan for this shift in behaviour. Parliamentary Question 11, Mr Yee Jenn Jong: To ask the Minister for Transport (a) what is the outcome of the $43 million pilot programme undertaken by the Ministry since 2009 to design and construct dedicated cycling paths in the five selected HDB towns of Tampines, Pasir Ris, Taman Jurong, Sembawang and Yishun; (b) whether there will be a detailed public report on the outcome of the programme; (c) what are the lessons learnt that can be applied to having similar cycling paths or cycling lanes in the rest of Singapore; and (d) what other lessons have the Cycling Facilitation Committee learnt that may be applied to improving safety for both cyclists and other road users. Parliamentary Question 12, Mr Nicholas Fang: To ask the Minister for Transport given the current regulations requiring motorists to undergo training and testing before being licensed to go on the road, whether it is possible to (i) put in place a similar requirement for all cyclists to undergo training and education on safe road use before being allowed to take to the roads; and (ii) increase information for motorists on how to drive safely in relation to cyclists in order to reduce the number of accidents involving cyclists on Singapore roads. Parliamentary Question 13, Ms Janice Koh: To ask the Minister for Transport (a) what is the number of reported traffic accidents between pedal cyclists and motorists each year since 2008; (b) how many such fatalities have resulted each year since 2008; (c) what are the main causes of such accidents; and (d) whether there is a need to re-consider calls for bicycle-lane markings or dedicated cycling lanes on our roads to better protect our pedal cyclists. Parliamentary Question 14, Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong: To ask the Minister for Transport given the increasing number of cyclists on the roads (a) what are the Ministry's plans for improving road safety for cyclists; (b) whether a campaign will be mounted to change the attitudes of motorists towards cyclists and to condition motorists to look out for them; and (c) whether the Ministry will review the penalty framework for driving offences that cause death to pedestrians and cyclists. Parliamentary Question 15, Dr Lim Wee Kiak: To ask the Minister for Transport in view of the recent spate of traffic accidents including fatalities involving cyclists and motorists on Singapore roads (a) what measures have been taken in the last five years; and (b) what additional measures are in the pipeline to curb such injuries and loss of lives. Parliamentary Question 16, Dr Janil Puthucheary: To ask the Minister for Transport (a) how many cyclists were killed in the last five years as a result of traffic accidents; (b) of these accidents, in how many cases were the cyclists deemed to be at fault; (c) whether the Traffic Police will consider publishing a list of cycling accident blackspots; (d) how does the usual punishment for a driver causing the death of a cyclist compare with other criminal offences where a death was unintentionally caused; and (e) whether the Ministry will consider reviewing the $20 composition fine on errant cyclists who are found to have flouted rules. Reply by Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim to Parliamentary Questions on Road Safety and Cycling     Mr Speaker Sir, I thank Members for their questions on cycling. Building a Network of Off-Road Cycling Paths 2. In recent years, recognising its increasing popularity, my Ministry has taken active steps to facilitate cycling as a mode of transport, starting with a $43 million pilot programme in 2009 to construct dedicated cycling paths in 5 selected HDB towns - Tampines, Pasir Ris, Taman Jurong, Sembawang and Yishun.  We have since expanded it to 7 towns with Bedok and Changi-Simei coming on board.  Now, under our National Cycling Plan and with the support of our partner agencies, we will also be rolling out basic cycling infrastructure in all new developments - in the Marina Bay area, new housing estates, as well as during major estate upgrading programmes under the Remaking our Heartland (ROH) initiative by HDB. 3. These plans take time to roll out but already, we have provided 6.4 km of dedicated cycling paths in the first 5 cycling towns.  By 2014, this will increase to well over 50 km in our HDB towns.  In addition, LTA has recently provided 1.5 km of cycling paths along the perimeter roads of the new Gardens by the Bay, and the plan is to provide up to 16 km of cycling paths in the Marina Bay downtown area as the area develops. 4. These cycling paths that we are building are dedicated off-road paths, allowing us to segregate cyclists from on-road vehicles, as well as separating pedestrians from cyclists.  We are investing in such cycling paths as they are safer for cyclists of all proficiencies, cater to the most number of users, and are generally planned to cater to short intra-town cycling trips, for example to key amenities and transport nodes like MRT stations and bus interchanges. 5. We recognise that some cycling commuting trips are made between towns. For these less prevalent trips, we will look into linking up the intra-town cycling paths. Where appropriate, we will capitalise on the Park Connector Network, which will eventually allow us to achieve a larger, safe cycling network that can cater to longer-distance travel. On-Road Cycling 6. There have also been calls for the Government to do more for on-road cycling. In Singapore, land is a scarce commodity and, I dare say, road space is even scarcer.  Most of our roads today are optimally sized for traffic conditions, and adding a dedicated lane for non-motorised traffic would require additional land, or the narrowing of existing vehicle lanes, with attendant adverse traffic impact. Given our circumstances, we have therefore prioritised off-road cycling, which is safer and can cater to greater numbers of people.  I hope that Members and Singaporeans will understand that there will be these trade-offs, and that the Government is unable to accommodate all the wishes of all small communities, but must think of larger, overall needs.  However, within reasonable limits, we can see if there are specific locations where we can do more for on-road cycling. 7. LTA has studied many cities that have attempted to integrate cycling as part of their traffic systems.  Every city has a different approach, influenced by factors such as population density, quality of public transport, land availability, cycling culture, traffic speed, and so on. Some cities in China, Denmark and the Netherlands take a similar approach as us where cycling lanes are essentially separated and protected from vehicular traffic, while cities in the US and UK have implemented unprotected cycling lanes, which are regarded as being less safe.  We will continue to study other cities’ approaches, and are prepared to pilot some of their ideas where feasible. Accidents Involving Cyclists 8. Members expressed concerns about traffic accidents involving cyclists. The total number of reported fatal and injury accidents where cyclists are involved has declined by 17% between 2008 and 2011. Cyclists were found to be at least partly at fault for about half of these accidents.  The number of cyclist fatalities averaged 18 per year over the same period from 2008 to 2011. Since the beginning of this year, there have been 11 cyclist fatalities. Cyclists’ Education 9. Every fatality, cyclist or otherwise, is one too many, and I share Members’ sentiments that we should minimise them. All road users, be it cyclists, motorists or pedestrians, need to play their part in this. The common causes of accidents attributable to cyclists or other road users include “failing to keep a proper look-out”, “disobeying traffic light signals”, and “failing to give way to traffic with the right of way”. The Cycling Facilitation Committee (CFC), started by Mr Teo Ser Luck, recognised that public education is key in shaping cyclists’ behaviour. The CFC advocates a community-led approach to do so, and the volunteer cycling wardens that you see in some HDB towns is part of this approach. 10. Members asked if the Traffic Police should require cyclists to undergo training and education on safe road use before being allowed to take to the roads. Since the profile of cyclists ranges from school children to senior citizens, from foreign workers to persons who pursue cycling as a sport, the Traffic Police’s approach is to engage cyclists within the different groups and impart relevant knowledge on safe road use to them through targeted platforms, rather than instituting a formal training and licensing regime. Efforts have been stepped up to educate the community on safe cycling practices and road rules. In the first half of 2012, 150 sessions of road safety talks in schools, workers’ dormitories and at community-level events have been conducted, and 15 safe cycling exhibitions were held. At these events, “Safe Cycling Guides”, containing information on proper riding apparel, safe cycling and road sharing tips, are distributed to participants. A recent collaboration between the Traffic Police and the Singapore Sports Council included the production of a 10-minute safe cycling video entitled “Gear Up! Safety begins with me”.  LTA will also be producing an “Intra-Town Cycling” handbook as a reference for good cycling etiquette and to share safety tips.  I am taking a personal interest in this area and will work with key stakeholders and relevant Government agencies to see if more can be done to improve safety. Motorists’ Education 11. Motorists, during learner driver training, are taught various safety considerations towards cyclists on the roads. Drivers are taught to give ample room to cyclists, especially when passing them. Drivers are also taught not to make sharp turns at corners, and to slow down and give way to vulnerable road users, which include cyclists. It is a strict requirement for learner drivers to check their blind spots before making a lane change or a turn. This is to ensure that drivers are aware of any motorcyclists and pedal cyclists who might be riding alongside. We have noted the suggestions raised by Members and are studying further education measures with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Traffic Police to inculcate a safe road sharing mindset amongst motorists and cyclists alike. Regulatory Regime 12. On the enforcement front, the Traffic Police will continue to maintain ground presence to ensure that cyclists and motorists abide by traffic rules. Firm action will be taken against those who display dangerous road behaviour such as driving or riding without due regard to the safety of others. We also urge cyclists to recognise their own vulnerability in relation to motorised traffic. 13. Members asked about the penalties for errant motorists and cyclists. A driver who unintentionally causes the death of a person in a road traffic accident may be charged under the Penal Code or the Road Traffic Act depending on the circumstances of the case and the degree of culpability. A convicted driver will be punished with an imprisonment term of up to 5 years, or with a fine, or both. These persons will also be disqualified from driving for a period of time. 14. Similar considerations are applicable to other types of criminal offences where a death was unintentionally caused and where the person is also charged under the Penal Code. The Police periodically review its penalty framework for all offences, and will continue to monitor the situation carefully. 15. Cyclists who flout traffic rules will be issued summonses. Depending on the circumstances, a cyclist may be offered a composition amount of $20 for the offences. In the case where a person was hurt, the cyclist may be prosecuted in Court under the Penal Code for endangering the safety of others by rash riding, and they will face larger fines or even imprisonment. MHA and the Traffic Police are reviewing the cycling penalties to ensure that they are commensurate with the severity of the respective offences, and will announce the findings when their review is completed. Conclusion 16. To sum up, we will continue to give priority to our efforts to develop off-road cycling paths to facilitate intra-town cycling. We will also review if we can do a little more on the infrastructure front to facilitate on-road cycling. Beyond infrastructure, it is also important for us to inculcate good cycling habits and responsible driving through public education supplemented by an effective regulatory regime. It is my hope that over time, we will be able to engender a good cycling and driving culture that allows for mutual understanding, basic courtesy and more importantly a safe environment for all road users. 17. In the coming months, I intend to meet more of the different stakeholders to better understand their viewpoints and to see whether we need to review the approach that we have taken and the provisions we have made to facilitate cycling in Singapore.

Let's hear some real discussion please

Just saw this on Straitstime webby.  Parliament to debate safety of cyclists and what can things be done to protect the cyclists. More here . I am not expecting miracles but I sincerely hope this will help make cycling safer for all.  At least start a real conversation. Finger cross..

Bikeability scheme in UK

When I saw this on the internet.. I was blown away... wow.  Bikeability
It is a cycling proficiency program done in a National level and give more confidence and skill to the cyclists for them to be able to cycle safely on the roads.  Yes, I have also shared this with the LTA folks.
Read and poke around the website and learn how UK approaches the cycling issue.
Also check out UK's Transport for London design guides for cycling 

Add caption

The cycle continues

Keep us safe, please

The cycle continues. A cyclist gets hit, cycling groups rally and feedback to authorities, even writing to PM. Papers will write about it and media will cover. Then in a week or so, it will die down. Will it progress further this time or will it not? Time will tell.
For the moment, under the barrage of feedback.... Dr Faishal have been tasked by Minister Lui to take charge and one of his task is to look directly at road safety and cycling issues. Well at least now, it seems more attention will be focused on SG Cyclists, orphans on the SG roads. 

Reflecting on the last few days of activity... I am sad that someone had to die and accident to spur action from our authorities. It could be any of us and if it is your personal friend, you will feel the pain and sorrow even more.  And this is not just for cyclists rights mind you... It is about keeping everyone safe on the road. Attitudes of the motorists, pedestrians need to be addressed.  Finger pointing and ranting will not help. (thank you Alex for sharing that with me) 

So what do I think? I find that while discussing on the matter is important.... I strongly feel part of the issue is Empathy. "Walk"/ cycle in our shoes. I have invited Dr Faishal, LTA, TP heads to cycle with normal folks on the roads so that they will feel what we feel daily. This is not a confrontation but a real exercise in understanding the Singapore cyclists plight. After all, this is not new. Minister Lui took the lead and used the MRT to learn about the MRT issues. Let's be open and see how things pan out. 

https://www.facebook.com/Muhammad.Faishal.Ibrahim?ref=stream

https://www.facebook.com/teoserluck

https://www.facebook.com/notes/irene-ng/parl-q-on-coordinated-national-plan-for-cycling-and-road-safety-in-2010/10151033436833160

Straits Time on Cycling in SG

Today in Straits Time                                                    Photo by Francis Chu

By Tham Yuen-c
GEYLANG Road, Lentor Avenue, Keppel Road towards VivoCity, Balestier Road, Upper Jurong Road.

Cyclists beware.

These are among Singapore's most hazardous roads for cycling, according to a map created by cycling enthusiasts to warn others where they must be extra careful.

In the first eight months of this year, at least 12 cyclists have died. Since 2009, about 16 cyclists have died on the roads each year. Hundreds more get injured in accidents.
The map explains why certain roads are marked hazardous.

Geylang Road, for example, has busy traffic both day and night. Cyclists sometimes ride against traffic, and drivers can cut in and out from side streets.

"We are not asking people to avoid these places because sometimes you have no choice, but we just want to make sure that people ride on the road with their eyes open, and they know what to expect," said Mr Woon Tai Woon, 38, founder of LoveCyclingSG.

Following Mr Khoo's death, 21 cyclists have written open letters to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew, exhorting the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to consider measures such as dedicated bicycle lanes and more public education about road rules to cut down the number of fatalities.

Cycling groups say they have already been working with the authorities to try and make the roads safer for the growing number of cyclists in Singapore.

On July 2, some members of LoveCyclingSG met the LTA to appeal for greater rights and protection on the road - including calling for stiffer laws against irresponsible drivers who endanger cyclists, Mr Woon said. "There are drivers who feel that cyclists should not be on the road," said the product designer. "There should be stiffer punishment for such people."

Other suggestions include changes to road design, such as making lanes narrower so that cars are forced to go slower, and making space on public roads for dedicated bicycle lanes.
Mr Steven Choy, 47, a friend of Mr Khoo's, said that bicycle lanes need only be about 1.5m wide to keep drivers and cyclists out of each other's paths. it was time that dedicated lanes be assigned to this growing group.
"These park connectors are used by senior citizens, people out on walks, walking their dogs, it is not safe for them because we are riding at a fast speed," said Ms Joyce Leong, 56, founder of Joyriders, one of the largest local bicycle groups with 1,300 members.

To make roads safer for cyclists, the LTA has put up signs at popular cycling routes warning motorists to be careful. Mr Steven Lim, 45, president of the Safe Cycling Task Force that works with government agencies to promote cycling safety, said "After a while, some of them become like advertisements and are not very conspicuous," he said. "We are trying to see if it will be feasible to put the messages on the road instead."

"Motorists have to start getting used to the idea of sharing the roads with cyclists, but cyclists also have to help themselves and follow the rules,"

yuenc@sph.com.sg

SG Chinese newspaper on Plead to PM

Just off the press... thanks for Yiting for writing on behalf SG cyclists!

Please help Singapore Cyclists Plead to PM

If you feel strongly about more needs to be done. Pls send ur concerns, fears and message here. This is my message to our PM.

From: woon taiwoon

Subject: Please help Singapore Cyclists safety plead

Date: August 18, 2012 PM 04:11:37 GMT+08:00

To: lee_hsien_loong@pmo.gov.sg

Cc: Francis Chu , Lim George , Andy Yap

We are a group of avid cyclists who enjoy cycling and exploring our local neighbourhood.  Our group is called Lovecyclingsg and it is a lovely social gathering every sunday morning. Please have a look at the folks who join us for a ride.  We have a motto which is E.R.P = Eat. Ride. Photo http://smallwheelsbigsmile.blogspot.sg/2011/03/kranji-ride-27th-march-2011-photo.html
Cycling is really nice and enables us to explore many places which we didn't even know existed. Like the sembawang hotsprings for example. I am glad to see that our cycling community is growing and having a strong Kampong spirit.  Last count we have over 2000 Facebook members and it is quite a task to keep up with the postings and activities.
As I got more involved with cycling community building, I begin also to take more notice about the lack of attention for the cyclists safety. We as lovecyclingsg have been actively trying to improve our cyclist's odds by sharing more information, conducting safety clinic.  We also wrote to Ministry of Transport and LTA to ask that more be done for cyclists safety and share on the cyclists plight.
http://smallwheelsbigsmile.blogspot.sg/2012/05/letter-to-mot.html  << this is the email message to MOT .We also have had a first meeting with LTA on the 2nd July and there is not reply from them. I don't know what more to do which is why I am writing to you directly.
Today early morning, 3 cyclists was hit by a lorry at Loyang road. One of the rider name is Freddy Khoo. I don't know him personally but I was told he didn't not make it. He leaves behind a wife and son. This is what is left of his bicycle.
Sir, I appeal to you. Please help make the roads safe for cyclists.
regards
Taiwoon
for lovecyclingsg

regards
Taiwoon
for lovecyclingsg

Caught for speeding?

Taken from Lovecyclingsg facebook early this morning. Lots of discussion on what this was about. I don't want to speculate this. Just sharing what is going thru my mind today. 

"Clement Goh Cycling is for all ages. To tell kids to cycle on the road is like sending them to certain death. Rules are one thing but for cases like this, they should apply some common sense. Really, what were they thinking telling an 11 year old to cycling on the road."

 Location around Yuan Ching road                        Photo credits - Eddie Hooi

LCSG safecycling Clinic 8th July 2012

LCSG safecycling Clinic 8th July 2012, a set on Flickr.

A total of 80 riders came!  Even though in the early morning, showers threatened to make it difficult to ruin the event. But heavens was kind to us and the weather turned fine as the event started around 830am.  This year's  effort was led superbly by Boon Yeo and his buddies Boo, Clarence, Louis, Vince, Tiger Wan, Eddie, Diane, Steven Tang. Learning from the last year Safety Clinic, LCSG team decided to make it more interactive so that the information and knowledge can be better understood by the participants.
One added area which was introduced this year was a pre-ride check. Boon shared on the basic but important areas. Check the tyre pressure, check the brakes by pushing against them. Checking the lights have fresh batteries and also if possible to wear a helmet and have a medical kit ready.
A particular area of the memorable demo was when Vince demonstrated the negative ways. Dark tees, not paying attention to the road and wearing flip flops. It generated lots of laughter but got the message across simply. Nicely done! After the briefing, we all headed out to the various stations to learn by doing.
Station 1 was manned by Eddie Lim and Tiger Wan. They focused on proper hand signals and road positioning as a single rider and also group riding. Followed by a group demo ride to learn the hand signals which will help in the cycling group safety and coordination.
Station 2 was manned by Boo and Diane. The focus was on safety on the left/ going front junctions. Boo shared on the procedures of a proper turning, what to look out for and where to position yourself so as to avoid getting into an accidents. Diane shared her method as well which was "if u are not confident, get to the pavement and use the traffic light" This is esp. important for the folks with children as they need more time to react and no as confident on the route. Another aspect which was highlighted in the practical lesson was checking back for traffic and signaling your intention early.
Clarence, Vince and Boon Yeo manned the 3rd Station which focused on the Bus stop areas. How to react and make it safe to clear the area and continue with the journey.
After the session, we had a much needed Tea break kindly provided by Nparks and had a good time touching base and chatting on what was just taught. With the bellies filled, we proceed to be updated by Bernard Lim of Nparks on the park connector development. He shared on the challenges and future PCN in the development. Also how to better feedback issues to Nparks using the lamp post markings to describe the location. It is exciting to see more routes being planned for recreation. To make the PCN experience better, he shared ways to ride with more considerations to other park users. Many also signed up for the Npark newsletter update so that they can be keep informed on the PCN developments and events.
We ended around noon time with a expert sharing by Francis, uncle KC and George Lim. Of course, the LCSG pose too. Today event warmed my heart. I could see the team growing. Folks like Boon Yeo stepping up and making amazing effort to engage and share.  Fantastic! This is the magic of LCSG! Well done guys!