First, I was also almost knocked down by a cyclist who was ferrying her daughter as she sped through the bus stop as there was no other path available. Barely five minutes later, I had to dodge from the pedestrian path to a tree as the path turned into a two-way traffic lane with cyclists coming in both directions. None of the cyclists gave any signal of his approach. Fortunately, I am only mid-way through my pregnancy and have sufficient agility to react.

There are many other examples of unsafe cyclist behaviour in the neighbourhood. Many cyclists seem to lack basic awareness of safe cycling habits. Heavy loads like groceries and even children are put on bicycles causing cyclists to wobble. Pedestrians are often not given sufficient reaction time to clear the way for oncoming bicycles as many cyclists do not use their bell.

This is not a matter of pedestrians and cyclists learning to share space as there is very little space to be shared. Pedestrian paths are rather narrow and there is only about 30cm of clearance space between cyclist and pedestrian when they pass each other. Such proximity can lead to accidents. This is even more dangerous when the path is used by parents pushing children in prams, the elderly their grocery trolleys or wheelchair-bound pedestrians.

While cycling is a great form of exercise, it should not be done at the expense of pedestrian and cyclist safety. If the town council intends to continue to allow cyclists to use the pedestrian paths, it should consider improving cyclist education efforts as well as instituting basic safe cycling regulations. Cyclists should perhaps be required to a safe cycling class at the community centre before they are allowed to cycle on pedestrian paths. Regulations could include a requirement to fit bicycles with bells and night safety lights, and for cyclists to wear safety helmets.

Pedestrian paths also need to be modified. For example, they should be widened to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists. Directional lanes for cyclists could be created to ensure pedestrians are not sandwiched between bicycles coming in both directions. During peak hours and in areas with high pedestrian traffic like school zones or near wet markets over the weekends, 'no cycling' zones and times should be set up.

I hope Tampines Town Council will take the matter into serious consideration and take necessary measures to ensure the neighbourhood is safe and pleasant for all.

Sarah Lee-Wong Mayfern (Mrs)