‘Public education on road safety did not reach masses’ — Cyclist without helmet spotted in-between bus & vehicles

Singapore — A photo of a cyclist without proper safety gear positioned in between traffic got netizens discussing how there is a lack of public knowledge of road safety practices.

“This is when we know that public education on road safety has not reached the masses,” wrote Facebook page ROADS.sg on Sunday (Jan 23).

The post included a photo of a woman on a bicycle without a helmet and waiting between a bus and other vehicles.

“Sad thing is the back cyclist did not inform her about road safety and traffic rules,” said ROADS.sg.

It is mandatory for all cyclists to wear helmets when riding on our shared roads, the page added, citing the Road Traffic Act.

Under the Road Traffic Act, cyclists are advised to:

• Keep a straight course, do not weave through traffic and avoid sudden swerves
• Keep a safe distance behind moving vehicles. Do not hold on to the back or side of motor vehicles and maintain awareness of traffic when riding
• Do not squeeze between the kerb and a bus that has stopped at a bus stop, or a turning vehicle and a kerb, among other practices.

“Never comply with safety rules and also expect big vehicles to see them, going through the space between vehicles, etc. A recipe for disaster waiting to happen,” a netizen commented on the photo.

“This is so wrong! Why are there so many unauthorised vehicles on the roads?” asked another concerned individual.

A Facebook user added that the cyclist would claim insurance if an accident happened, leaving the affected driver on the losing end.

Meanwhile, netizens highlighted that more enforcement and stricter punishments were needed instead of more education on road safety.

The Land Transport Authority and Traffic Police have been carrying out joint enforcement exercises to catch errant riders on Singapore roads, such as those riding without helmets, running a red light or travelling against the traffic flow.

Errant cyclists can be fined up to S$75 for such offences. /TISG

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