Personal mobility devices (PMDs) are now more common on walkways, in common areas and on roads ("Unsafe cycling, riding: More than 700 caught"; Oct 6).

I have no problem with cyclists sharing walkway space with pedestrians. The trouble is many cyclists think they have priority over pedestrians, and have the mindset that pedestrians must give way to them. This causes them to not slow down or halt while negotiating around pedestrians. Instead, they ring their bells incessantly or scold pedestrians.

Similarly, those riding electric bicycles think they have the right to travel on main roads. They whisk around, competing with motorists, and endanger themselves and other road users.

As a motorist and pedestrian, I have encountered several unpleasant experiences and seen a few accidents where people were hurt after being hit by speeding PMDs.

We can educate the majority to abide by the rules, but all it takes is a few black sheep to frighten pedestrians, particularly the frail and the elderly.

Enforcement officers cannot be everywhere. Once a pedestrian is hit, compensation is cold comfort, especially if the accident results in a fatality.

When the new laws on PMDs kick in, the authorities should come down hard on recalcitrants.

Andrew Seow Chwee Guan