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.