Singapore — A video of a van attempting to overtake cyclists riding abreast on a single lane road and getting forced to share the lane is circulating online, sparking a call for consideration among road users.
The video, indicating two road offences, was shared by Facebook page ROADS.sg on Sunday (Sept 12).
The incident happened along Kranji Dam on Sunday at around 7:30 am.
At the beginning of the video, the cyclists could be seen riding along the area, which only has a single lane for road users going in one direction.
A silver van was then spotted trying to overtake the cyclists.
The double white lines on the road indicate that no overtaking was allowed.
The van’s attempt was cut short as a white lorry appeared up ahead.
“Van driver was wrong to have crossed the lane on a double white line to overtake,” noted ROADS.sg.
It added that the penalty was a fine of S$150 and four demerit points.
The caption also noted that cycling abreast on a single carriageway is illegal.
“Some might argue that this is overtaking; please just wait till the road opens up to multiple carriageway,” the post noted.
“Under the RTA (Road Traffic Act), cyclists are not allowed to ride abreast of another cyclist on single-lane roads or within bus lanes during operational hours,” said ROADS.sg, adding that the penalty includes a fine of up to S$1,000, up to three months jail or both.
The post has been shared on various social media platforms, garnering a call for consideration by cyclists, drivers and netizens alike.
Many questioned if the cyclists were aware that riding abreast on a single lane road was against the law.
“Why are cyclists riding abreast on a single carriageway in the first place?!!! I’m a rider myself. I find such entitled mentality abhorrent. Seriously, mandating BTT might be a good idea,” said Facebook user Koichirou Jtan.
Meanwhile, others noted that enforcement action is required to minimize risks to road safety.
“LTA (Land Transport Authority), please do something on single lane road. It is too dangerous to have both cyclist and driver together,” commented Facebook user Tan Chin Hwee.
“LTA and TP (Traffic Police) pls wake up and act on it before another cyclist lying on the road or under a vehicle,” added Facebook user HY Goh.
Many also highlighted that the van might have been in a hurry and had work to accomplish while the cyclists were riding for pleasure.
“He might have a delivery to run. What do you want him to do? Follow the cyclists hogging the road at 20kmh?” asked Dennis Lim.
“The poor van has got places to go and mouths to feed. Get off your precious Strava segment record and pina 5-figure high horses and use the roads with due consideration to other users,” added Facebook user Terence Swee.
“Van is probably on the way to work while the cyclists are cycling for leisure. Can understand the van driver’s angst and rush, though two wrongs don’t make a right,” said Facebook user John Wu.
“Those of you who are cyclists here or know cyclists, help to educate proper road usage, please. Not everything needs to wait for laws and enforcement. A lot of this is just basic common sense and courtesy to other road users.” /TISG
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