I am surprised at the brief response by Minister of State for Transport Lim Hwee Hua, citing land constraints, to the suggestion by Ms Irene Ng (Tampines GRC) that the Land Transport Authority (LTA) commission a 'serious study' to examine how congested cities have integrated bicycles seamlessly into their transport system. We encourage foreigners to settle in Singapore but don't realise that many, particularly those from China, would be put off by the negative response to the call for cycling paths.

Even opposition MP Low Thia Khiang (Hougang) has conveniently forgotten the problem of pedestrians and cyclists.

Ms Ng pointed out that 541 cyclists or pillion riders were killed or injured last year and, surely, one death is one too many.

It is disheartening to note that nothing has been suggested to address the problem posed to both pedestrians and cyclists by ignoring what is becoming common paths for both groups.

To walk safely and confidently is a human right. The call for a pedestrian safety council should be looked

into seriously because car users increasingly behave arrogantly against pedestrians, children, the elderly or handicapped.

As for the growing number of cyclists, clearly the LTA should look into the problem.

Zainuddin Mohd Ismail

UNSEEN AS YET

I have yet to witness a cyclist pushing a bicycle on a pedestrian crossing.

MS TAN HOCK CHOO, who supports MP Irene Ng's view in a report last Friday that the Land Transport Authority has dragged its feet on regulating the use of bicycles. Ms Tan adds that other dangers posed involve cyclists riding pillion, and cycling against the flow of traffic at night, without lights to warn other road users

MIDDLE-OF-THE-ROAD CYCLISTS

They ride in the middle of a three-or four-lane road.
MS IRIS LIM JOO JOO, who complains of a new breed of 'motorists'' on the main road these days - cyclists, who, she says, do not confine themselves to the side of the road. She says cyclists should not be on the main roads because of the danger they pose to motorists, and, worse, to themselves