This is not the first, and it certainly will not be the last, appeal for the authorities to do something about bicycles under the bike-sharing scheme being left all over the place in various parts of Singapore.

The problem is especially bad after weekends and public holidays, in particular at parks and beach areas.

The bicycles can be found even in the basement carpark of some condominiums because of the flexible way of returning these shared bikes.

Mr Adam Reutens-Tan in his letter to the Forum thinks that these bike-sharing companies should not be held responsible for the problem (No point in fining bike-sharing operators for improperly parked bikes; May 25). He says that just like cigarette companies are not responsible for cigarette-butt litter, bike-sharing companies should not be penalised for the bikes.

I would like to point out a difference: Cigarette companies do not own the cigarettes once sold, but bike-sharing companies continue to be owners of the bikes.

The problem is only going to get worse.

Only if these bicycles are properly returned to designated areas, will bike-sharing companies be able to run their business model efficiently.

It is time for the authorities to draw up some rules.

Devdatt Vijay Nerurkar