A cyclist on Nicol Highway was caught on camera suddenly changing lanes to filter into another road without double-checking for any vehicles behind him has sparked criticisms among the online community. The cyclist’s behaviour almost caused two collisions if the two vehicles behind him didn’t stop in time.
A video of the incident was posted on Facebook page ROADS.sg on Monday (June 27), with the caption, “Cyclist did not check blindspot before cutting across the lane, which could’ve caused an accident if the car could not stop in time.”
The video began with the cyclist on the far left lane and suddenly swerving to the right.
He only took a quick glance behind him as he filtered out of the road.
The cam car managed to slow down to avoid colliding with the cyclist, but its rear camera showed a black Mercedes hitting the brakes abruptly.
The passengers inside the Mercedes could be seen swaying forward because of the emergency stop attempt.
Members from the online community reiterated that Singapore laws should be revised to “protect the innocent and not those who are vulnerable.”
Netizens highlighted it was fortunate that both vehicles avoided an accident because otherwise, they would have to pay for the cyclist’s mistake.
“Some cyclists like this cause unnecessary accidents and got away scot-free while the innocent driver has to bear all the hassle of claiming insurance and car repair,” said Facebook user Tang Poh Hong.
“I think it’s safe to say not all roads are safe for cyclists to use, even if they are not expressways,” noted Facebook user Edwin Ang, highlighting a point made by another netizen that this particular stretch of the road was dangerous for cyclists.
“To be in the correct lane and not inadvertently cycle illegally onto KPE, the cyclist must already be on Lane 3 of this 5-lane road, which is a scary position to be in with fast-moving vehicles zooming past you from left and right,” explained Facebook user Dennis Chan.
Many said there should be accompanying penalties for such behaviour.
“I am a leisure cyclist myself. I do not condone such riding. There should be consequences of law to this. Such as a bicycle impounded for such an errant cyclist. There is life at stake here,” said Facebook user Mason Lee. /TISG