Singapore – Even when cyclists stick to the rules and ride in single file, there is no guarantee that this will keep them safe on the road. And here’s the proof.
A motorist making a left turn from Bukit Batok West Avenue 8 knocked down the lead cyclist of three. Footage of the incident was uploaded on Facebook page Beh Chia Lor on Jan 24.
It shows a group of cyclists approaching the West Crest housing estate in Bukit Batok. The driver of the Honda Vezel turned left and knocked down the cyclist, reported the netizen who posted the clip to Beh Chia Lor.
The video begins with the Honda approaching the turn while the three cyclists keep to the left of the road, properly in single file.
The Honda then makes the turn and it seems clear the driver did not check check for other road users.
As a result, the lead cyclist is knocked to the ground.
Could the driver of the Honda have been unaware what happened? The car can be seen continuing on its way into the estate after the collision. The cyclist does not seem to be injured but it could have been so much worse.
“This driver should have stopped and waited for all 3 cyclists to pass then make the left turn,” said the netizzen. From the video’s timestamp, the accident happened on Jan 20 at 7:14 am.
There have been more than 340 comments to date, with people reminding cyclists to be extra alert, especially when riding alongside motor vehicles. Said one Facebook user: “Cyclists are just like motorbike riders, one slight bump we tip over liao. Don’t be too self-entitled, be more cautious is the way to survive.”
Several commenters observed that the driver had signalled before the turn, but netizens noted that the lead cyclist did not have enough time to react to the vehicle’s intentions.
“Do you expect cyclists to have eyes in the back of their head?” another netizen added.
“As a driver/cyclist myself, I would lay the blame on the mention car that hit the cyclist. No doubt he gave a space before turning, but he could have just gave way to them instead. That mere 4-5 secs of waiting behind them, with a child-in-tow won’t do much harm. Yes, he signalled, but it’s also a blindspot unless the cyclist installed a side mirror, which I would recommend the cyclist to do so after today’s incident (sic),” said a Facebook user.
A concerned individual summed it up like this: Never assume. Things like these should give way. We cannot control what others do, but the least we can practice is defensive behaviour.
Beginning Jan 1, 2022, cyclists are to ride in groups of no more than five, said the Ministry of Transport after it had accepted a fifth review of rules for road cyclists, made by the Active Mobility Advisory Panel.
This means that up to five cyclists will be allowed if the group is riding single-file; up to 10 cyclists if riding two abreast.
Furthermore, different groups of cyclists are required to keep a safe distance of approximately two lamp posts or 30m between groups./TISG
Read related: ‘Public education on road safety did not reach masses’ — Cyclist without helmet spotted in-between bus & vehicles