Minister of State for Transport Baey Yam Keng on ensuring safety for pedestrian-only paths

Key Concepts

• Path marking and segregation (cycling paths, shared paths, pedestrian-only paths/POPs)
• Active Mobility Enforcement Officers (AMEOs)
• Gracious path sharing and safe behavior
• Consistent and proportionate enforcement
• Recourse for pedestrians injured by cyclists/PMD riders
• Third-party liability insurance for work-related riders
• Licensing cyclists and their vehicles
• Public education campaigns and community engagement
• Feedback on path design and safety hotspots

Path Segregation and Safety Measures

• Path Types: Dedicated cycling paths (red, 2m width), shared paths (2.5m width), and pedestrian-only paths (POPs).
• Signage: Clear logos and wordings to guide users at interaction points and transitions.
• Safety Enhancements: Convex mirrors, additional lighting, trimming overgrown hedges.
• Education: LTA conducts education campaigns and community engagement programs.
• Enforcement: AMEOs educate users and enforce path segregation rules. The POP rule commences on 1st July 2025.

Enforcement and Penalties

• Consistent Enforcement: Enforcement officers aim for a consistent approach to addressing errant behavior.
• Warnings vs. Fines: Cyclists temporarily venturing onto POPs to overtake slower cyclists safely may not be penalized. Blatant riding on POPs over extended distances will result in fines.
• Fines Issued: Since 1st July 2025, approximately five fines have been issued for errant riders on POPs.
• Focus: Enforcement targets intentional disobedience and behavior that endangers others.

Recourse for Injured Pedestrians

• Accident Protocol: Cyclists/riders involved in accidents must stop and render assistance.
• Third-Party Liability Insurance: Riders performing work-related activities (e.g., delivery) are required to have third-party liability insurance to cover injury claims.

Licensing of Cyclists and Vehicles

• Past Practice: Singapore previously required bicycle registration, but it was discontinued due to administrative burdens.
• Current Approach: Focus on educational campaigns and rules for riding behavior, considering the wide age range of cyclists.
• Reasoning: Licensing riders is deemed difficult due to the spectrum of different ages from very young to the very old.

Public Engagement and Education

• Feedback Mechanisms: LTA continues to gather feedback on path design and cycling infrastructure.
• Engagement Channels: Engagement with advisors, grassroots leaders, and community groups.
• Education Programs: Targeted at schools, community groups, and delivery platforms.
• Delivery Platform Engagement: Regular engagement with delivery platforms to ensure riders are aware of rules and exercise consideration.

Conclusion

The focus is on a multi-faceted approach to enhance safety and promote gracious path sharing. This includes path segregation, safety enhancements, education, targeted enforcement, and ensuring recourse for injured pedestrians. While licensing cyclists is not currently pursued due to practical challenges, the emphasis is on education and consistent enforcement of rules to create a safer riding environment. Continuous engagement with the community and delivery platforms is crucial for refining path design and promoting responsible riding behavior.