|
CYCLISTS in Tampines who ride recklessly on the estate's footpaths may be penalised in the next phase of a trial to let cyclists share the space with pedestrians.
The year-long trial ended in May, but will be extended by six months, during which enforcement action will be stepped up to make the sharing of footpaths more feasible.
Reckless riders were not fined during the trial but, over the next six months, those who are caught riding in a manner that can maim or kill someone could be looking at up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
The town's posse of cycling wardens will also be teaching safe-riding tips to residents during this period.
Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan, who is also an MP for Tampines GRC, noted yesterday that the trial had the support of residents, but more needed to be done to get residents to accept cyclists on footpaths.
The experiment was sparked off by a 2005 parliamentary debate in which Tampines GRC MP Irene Ng called for cyclists to be allowed to ride on footpaths, in the light of an increasing number of them being killed on busy roads.
The trial was confined to Tampines, but Sembawang and Woodlands have announced plans to build their own bicycle tracks.
Meanwhile, the Land Transport Authority will look into improving cycling infrastructure in Tampines, perhaps by widening the footpaths and building more bike paths.
The Tampines Town Council has said that it will build 2.3km of such paths in the neighbourhood and is planning another 7km of paths which will link up with park connectors to other towns in the east.
ghimlay@sph.com.sg
|
