And I am not the only one worried (not 'against') about what will happened if the ban is lifted, check these out:
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Importnat points for disappointment for allowing cycling on the footpath (II)
Got some reply from 'PA SouthWest CDC' (err.. what is PA?), anyway... "...will look into the points and will reply soon..." - will reply soon? Let's see.
And I am not the only one worried (not 'against') about what will happened if the ban is lifted, check these out:
And I am not the only one worried (not 'against') about what will happened if the ban is lifted, check these out:
Near fatal accident on AYE due to a driver's reckless behavior
I was nearly killed by a reckless driver along the AYE towards Jurong (few hundred meters before Exit 9) this morning between 8.35am-8.45am.
I was driving on 2nd lane from the right, where a BLACK color MERCEDES (License plate number: SW6226E) was in between a blue color car and mine. A truck was beside the Mercedes then. Our speed was around 80km/h. We are just after the colorful signboard of the Science Park then. The road was not congested at that time.
This Mercedes switched to right-most lane after awhile, I drove along and when we are around the NUS (should be after the speed camera, if not wrong). At this time, there is two cars distance between mine and the blur car in-front, the truck is beside mine, and the Mercedes is beside my car, on the right.
Merely less than 30 sec switching to his lane, he suddenly swing his car into my lane, getting very close to my side at quite a fast speed (while we are still at around 80km/h). I quickly sound the horn repeatedly and step on my break to slow down, the Mercedes paused for awhile but increase its speed and cut all the way into my lane and followed by ahead of the truck into 4th lane from the right to the left.
I had a hard time stepping on my car break and controlling my car as it sways towards the truck on the left, I can hear very loud screeching sound from my car, and I managed to shift it back to the right, nearly hit on the back of the Mercedes. It will definitely be a fatal accident if the Mercedes stop at this moment.
The Mercedes move along the 4th lane at around 90km/h for another 100m and make a quick turn (again) into Exit 9 at a near miss, cutting into its right lane to its left-most lane. Luckily there was car behind him but at some distance at that time. I was in the shock then but trying my best to keep the car at 80km/h and at the same time, remember his vehicle number. I should have follow this vehicle and see where is its destination.
I notice another BLUE color car is behind me all the way since the beginning till I exited at Clementi Ave 6. I managed to take down his number too (SGL3577L). I am sure he witness the whole incident. As far as I can remember, he was always around 3 cars distance behind mine before and after the Mercedes driver’s reckless move.
I did not know if the Mercedes driver is male or female or how he or she look like as I did not expect such thing to happen. When it happened, I was busy claming myself down and making sure my car is under control while at the same time, remember the number of the Mercedes.
It seems the driver is not sure or lost his way because he did not cut all the way to the left-most lane immediately after the incident, but this act has nearly cause a fatal accident. I think an action should be taken on this driver to correct his driving behavior. It is really unfair for people like us who drive with care if no action is taken.
Why like that one? Luckily I have the strong arms to control the car, hmmm... it pays to build those muscles...
I was driving on 2nd lane from the right, where a BLACK color MERCEDES (License plate number: SW6226E) was in between a blue color car and mine. A truck was beside the Mercedes then. Our speed was around 80km/h. We are just after the colorful signboard of the Science Park then. The road was not congested at that time.
This Mercedes switched to right-most lane after awhile, I drove along and when we are around the NUS (should be after the speed camera, if not wrong). At this time, there is two cars distance between mine and the blur car in-front, the truck is beside mine, and the Mercedes is beside my car, on the right.
Merely less than 30 sec switching to his lane, he suddenly swing his car into my lane, getting very close to my side at quite a fast speed (while we are still at around 80km/h). I quickly sound the horn repeatedly and step on my break to slow down, the Mercedes paused for awhile but increase its speed and cut all the way into my lane and followed by ahead of the truck into 4th lane from the right to the left.
I had a hard time stepping on my car break and controlling my car as it sways towards the truck on the left, I can hear very loud screeching sound from my car, and I managed to shift it back to the right, nearly hit on the back of the Mercedes. It will definitely be a fatal accident if the Mercedes stop at this moment.
The Mercedes move along the 4th lane at around 90km/h for another 100m and make a quick turn (again) into Exit 9 at a near miss, cutting into its right lane to its left-most lane. Luckily there was car behind him but at some distance at that time. I was in the shock then but trying my best to keep the car at 80km/h and at the same time, remember his vehicle number. I should have follow this vehicle and see where is its destination.
I notice another BLUE color car is behind me all the way since the beginning till I exited at Clementi Ave 6. I managed to take down his number too (SGL3577L). I am sure he witness the whole incident. As far as I can remember, he was always around 3 cars distance behind mine before and after the Mercedes driver’s reckless move.
I did not know if the Mercedes driver is male or female or how he or she look like as I did not expect such thing to happen. When it happened, I was busy claming myself down and making sure my car is under control while at the same time, remember the number of the Mercedes.
It seems the driver is not sure or lost his way because he did not cut all the way to the left-most lane immediately after the incident, but this act has nearly cause a fatal accident. I think an action should be taken on this driver to correct his driving behavior. It is really unfair for people like us who drive with care if no action is taken.
Why like that one? Luckily I have the strong arms to control the car, hmmm... it pays to build those muscles...
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Importnat points for disappointment for allowing cycling on the footpath (I)
ok, I had send out this letter to: South East CDC, South West CDC, North East CDC, North West CDC, Central Singapore CDC, Tampines Tow Council, LTA, Traffic Police, TODAY and The Straits Times.
Dear Sir/Madam,
The letter I send to the press regarding the issue below is meant for the purpose of early warning to pedestrians staying in the area other then Tampines. It is also a reminder to the all cyclists (including those staying in Tampines) to be aware that the rule has not changed yet, and all parties should take precautions to avoid any of such scenarios (mentioned in the earlier mail, below) occurring.
I am writing to express my view further and provide some thoughts for your consideration. I would like to emphasize that I have nothing against the cyclists and I enjoy cycling (in the park) too.
If things ain’t broke, don’t fit it, unless you can cover most aspect and made improvement. But it will not be the case for this issue.
Firstly, we are enjoying the ‘peacefulness’ between the cyclist and pedestrian community in the moment because, the cyclist are ‘controlling themselves’ since there is a rule stating that they are ‘wrong’ to cycle on the footpath. Knowing the human’s nature, everyone would want to fight for their ‘rights’, especially this has been something between the two communities for a long time.
Secondly, anything beyond the natural human’s body can be considered a ‘weapon’. Cyclist felt unsafe on the road because the other road users have a ‘lager scale weapon’ (the motor vehicle) then they are using. What do you think by comparing the bicycles to the pedestrians’ human body? So isn’t it unfair to the pedestrians?
Thirdly, I understand and support the possible reason for the decision to put cyclists onto the footpath is to reduce the risk faced by those ‘well behaved’ cyclists, including the younger kids (although many of them do not realize the danger of cycling at the fast speed, no matter where are they doing it), but can we imagine those who are using the ‘racing bike’ (usually alone or in a large group) on the footpath? What about those who are not ‘behaving’ while riding the bike?
And once the rule is eased, more bicycles will be on the footpath, for sure. Myself had always wanted to cycle to market and swimming pool as there is no direct bus service for me. But I had dropped the idea and use other alternative. The things is, once the ban is lifted, the footpath will be too congested since a lot more bicycles will be coming in. And soon, you will find that the cyclists are going back to the road again because it is too crowded. So now what? Not only the pedestrians are in danger, the cyclists too. And not only there will be fight for space between the cyclists and pedestrians, it will be between the cyclists too.
And one important point, it seems everyone is concern about ‘elderly’ or ‘children’ pedestrians’ safety. In the actual fact, any adult, even a strong man can be paralyzed if hit by a bike in a mishap.
Fourthly, it would be difficult to control the ‘type’ of bike allowed on the footpath. Already with the ban is on, ‘motor-bike’ are seen on the footpath (the lady who knocked me on my elbow is using a ‘motorized-bike’).
Last but not least, a trial is always considered ‘safe’ or ‘successful’ after a short period (surely you are not going to trial for 2-3 years), but once the ‘cycling wardens’ are removed, you will start to see all problems surfaced, are you going to change the rule again?
Further more, will all GRC be putting the ‘cycling wardens’ and even conducting the trial if Tampines GRC considered their trial as ‘successful’? Hence I also felt that it is inappropriate for Tampines GRC to decide the fate of pedestrian living in other areas.
So I think Tampines GRC and Traffic Police should work on enhancing the education on safe riding behavior on cyclist, example, make it a must to wear protection gear etc. All GRC should also get the ‘minor’ issues (like direct bus services etc) solved and not passing the problems faced by the cyclists onto the pedestrians. This is the reason why I say that the decision did not cover the ‘whole picture’ in the earlier mail.
Dear Sir/Madam,
The letter I send to the press regarding the issue below is meant for the purpose of early warning to pedestrians staying in the area other then Tampines. It is also a reminder to the all cyclists (including those staying in Tampines) to be aware that the rule has not changed yet, and all parties should take precautions to avoid any of such scenarios (mentioned in the earlier mail, below) occurring.
I am writing to express my view further and provide some thoughts for your consideration. I would like to emphasize that I have nothing against the cyclists and I enjoy cycling (in the park) too.
If things ain’t broke, don’t fit it, unless you can cover most aspect and made improvement. But it will not be the case for this issue.
Firstly, we are enjoying the ‘peacefulness’ between the cyclist and pedestrian community in the moment because, the cyclist are ‘controlling themselves’ since there is a rule stating that they are ‘wrong’ to cycle on the footpath. Knowing the human’s nature, everyone would want to fight for their ‘rights’, especially this has been something between the two communities for a long time.
Secondly, anything beyond the natural human’s body can be considered a ‘weapon’. Cyclist felt unsafe on the road because the other road users have a ‘lager scale weapon’ (the motor vehicle) then they are using. What do you think by comparing the bicycles to the pedestrians’ human body? So isn’t it unfair to the pedestrians?
Thirdly, I understand and support the possible reason for the decision to put cyclists onto the footpath is to reduce the risk faced by those ‘well behaved’ cyclists, including the younger kids (although many of them do not realize the danger of cycling at the fast speed, no matter where are they doing it), but can we imagine those who are using the ‘racing bike’ (usually alone or in a large group) on the footpath? What about those who are not ‘behaving’ while riding the bike?
And once the rule is eased, more bicycles will be on the footpath, for sure. Myself had always wanted to cycle to market and swimming pool as there is no direct bus service for me. But I had dropped the idea and use other alternative. The things is, once the ban is lifted, the footpath will be too congested since a lot more bicycles will be coming in. And soon, you will find that the cyclists are going back to the road again because it is too crowded. So now what? Not only the pedestrians are in danger, the cyclists too. And not only there will be fight for space between the cyclists and pedestrians, it will be between the cyclists too.
And one important point, it seems everyone is concern about ‘elderly’ or ‘children’ pedestrians’ safety. In the actual fact, any adult, even a strong man can be paralyzed if hit by a bike in a mishap.
Fourthly, it would be difficult to control the ‘type’ of bike allowed on the footpath. Already with the ban is on, ‘motor-bike’ are seen on the footpath (the lady who knocked me on my elbow is using a ‘motorized-bike’).
Last but not least, a trial is always considered ‘safe’ or ‘successful’ after a short period (surely you are not going to trial for 2-3 years), but once the ‘cycling wardens’ are removed, you will start to see all problems surfaced, are you going to change the rule again?
Further more, will all GRC be putting the ‘cycling wardens’ and even conducting the trial if Tampines GRC considered their trial as ‘successful’? Hence I also felt that it is inappropriate for Tampines GRC to decide the fate of pedestrian living in other areas.
So I think Tampines GRC and Traffic Police should work on enhancing the education on safe riding behavior on cyclist, example, make it a must to wear protection gear etc. All GRC should also get the ‘minor’ issues (like direct bus services etc) solved and not passing the problems faced by the cyclists onto the pedestrians. This is the reason why I say that the decision did not cover the ‘whole picture’ in the earlier mail.
Disappointed for allowing cycling on the footpath (published)
Thanks TODAY for the help to edit and publish my letter on VOICE (Today, 16/05/2007). ST just rang me up and said that they will also publish the letter (but I am going to send them another one, so not sure if they will still publish this one)
I am sure it will attract counter responses from tomorrow onwards, but let's look at it this way:
There has been less issues so far between cyclists and pedestrians because this 'minority group' (cyclists) 'know' that they are in the wrong and things are under control. Once they felt that they have the same rights, it is going to be a different picture altogether.
So if things ain't broke, please don't fix it (unless you can really take care of the whole thing).
I will be posting some suggestion here soon.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Disappointed for allowing cycling on the footpath (original)
I am very disappointed by the decision to allow cycling on the footpath. Yes, the “small group of them in Tampines” may not have to worry about if it is legal to cycle on the footpath, but the “majority of us all over the country” will now have to worry about our safety.
Already with the law in place, we are seeing the cyclist either zooming recklessly or ringing the bell impatiently behind us on the footpath. When they are allowed on it, I am sure this is going to run out of control. Once a lady’s bike bang on my elbow when I was walking my kids to school in the morning. There was once I have to shout to a man when I saw him scolding a young student walking alone in-front for not giving way to his bike, and there are a few occasions I have to scold some kids and ask them to get down and push their bikes when they keeps ranging their bells and approaching in fast speed behind me and my kids on the footpath.
From the figure shown to us, I wonder how many cases of the accidents and injuries are actually due to the irresponsible riding behavior of the bikers, but when the footpath opened to them, we may see two possible scenarios happen:
There will be increase of number in cyclists involving accidents causing pedestrians’ injuries.
There will be increasing of number in quarrels and punching between cyclists and pedestrians. We all know by fact now that police would not take any action if there is no serious injury in the case.
Tampines may deploy cycling wardens to encourage safe cycling and reward gracious behavior but how long will that last? At the same time, pedestrians staying in other towns will start to feel the heat as the cyclists here may get a wrong signal and start to make the situation deteriorated.
Cyclists feel the heat when they are on the road, but implementing a change without considering the whole picture is just passing the bugs from one place to another. This is as good as to keeps your house clean, you throw the rubbish onto an open area.
Already with the law in place, we are seeing the cyclist either zooming recklessly or ringing the bell impatiently behind us on the footpath. When they are allowed on it, I am sure this is going to run out of control. Once a lady’s bike bang on my elbow when I was walking my kids to school in the morning. There was once I have to shout to a man when I saw him scolding a young student walking alone in-front for not giving way to his bike, and there are a few occasions I have to scold some kids and ask them to get down and push their bikes when they keeps ranging their bells and approaching in fast speed behind me and my kids on the footpath.
From the figure shown to us, I wonder how many cases of the accidents and injuries are actually due to the irresponsible riding behavior of the bikers, but when the footpath opened to them, we may see two possible scenarios happen:
There will be increase of number in cyclists involving accidents causing pedestrians’ injuries.
There will be increasing of number in quarrels and punching between cyclists and pedestrians. We all know by fact now that police would not take any action if there is no serious injury in the case.
Tampines may deploy cycling wardens to encourage safe cycling and reward gracious behavior but how long will that last? At the same time, pedestrians staying in other towns will start to feel the heat as the cyclists here may get a wrong signal and start to make the situation deteriorated.
Cyclists feel the heat when they are on the road, but implementing a change without considering the whole picture is just passing the bugs from one place to another. This is as good as to keeps your house clean, you throw the rubbish onto an open area.
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