The city of Cambridge has older infrastructure and a higher proportion of cyclists on the road than Singapore. Many roads are not more than two lanes servicing both directions of traffic. Their cycling lanes are demarcated in red on the extreme left of each lane and measures about one metre wide, providing other vehicles sufficient space to pass on the right. There are filter lanes to enable cyclists to cut across lanes and turn right. The stop zone at traffic lights for cyclists is located in the space between the compulsory stop line for cars and the pedestrian crossing. Where there is a lack of road space for the cycling lane, there is a painted track on the pedestrian walkway for cyclists. This system provides cyclists, pedestrians and drivers the peace of mind to know where their zone of comfort should be within the confines of existing infrastructure.

While some may argue that this system has its flaws, adopting it could provide a feasible compromise and reduce the death rate of cyclists. At the end of the day, the road is a shared facility for all users and, in the interest of common safety, cyclists should be given their space on the roads.

Kuok Pei Wen (Miss)