Tag: cycling

MOT: Safe Cycling on Footpaths

Committee of Supply Debate 2026, Ministry of Transport

Walking along our footpaths should be a stress-free experience, yet many pedestrians—especially the elderly and parents with children—often feel they must be on permanent alert. Some cyclists ring their bells persistently on crowded footpaths, as if expecting pedestrians to step off the path to make way for them. I have personally experienced this, and many of my residents have shared similar stories with me.

LTA needs to reinforce that pedestrians always have the right of way. Public education must clarify that bells should be used only to alert, not to demand a clear path. We must also educate pedestrians to keep left and avoid sudden changes in direction, for their own safety.

Residents frequently encounter cyclists zooming through bus stops, endangering passengers as they alight. Similarly, those exiting lifts at their flats face risks from cyclists speeding past.

At night, the danger increases without illumination. Between 2023 and 2025, 167 summonses were issued for missing lights, but these were mostly on roads, not footpaths. This indicates a safety gap on footpaths. Why is there not more active education and enforcement of light requirements on footpaths?

Furthermore, while footpaths next to cycling paths became pedestrian-only in July 2025, the converse is not true—pedestrians are not prohibited from walking on cycling paths. If a dedicated pedestrian-only path exists, why is it not mandatory for pedestrians to use it? Mixing users increases accident risks. Will the Ministry reconsider a legal prohibition for pedestrians to use cycling paths where a dedicated alternative is provided?

Safe footpaths

Committee of Supply Debate, Ministry of Transport, 5 Mar 2024

Footpath safety is a concern for many of my residents. Accidents often occur along footpaths due to a lack of awareness and courtesy among pedestrians, cyclists and personal mobility device users. Some of my residents have suffered severe injuries as a result. I call on the Ministry to conduct more public safety education for all footpath users. 

For instance, cyclists should be encouraged to sound their bell when they are still some distance away from pedestrians to alert them of their approach — and not wait until they are directly behind. Pedestrians should be educated to avoid suddenly changing direction without looking over their shoulders. Cyclists who disregard pedestrian safety should be taken to task.

By promoting a culture of mutual respect and responsibility, we can make our footpaths safer and more pleasant for everyone. This is not only a matter of convenience, but also of public health and social cohesion.