Make it a must for cyclists to follow Highway Code

Mr Danson Cheong's idea ("Cycling lanes a good start"; Monday) sounds like a good one.

But I must add one proviso: All vehicles using the roads must be subject to the same rules and regulations.

Cyclists must follow the same Highway Code as motorists - which, at present, they do not.

I have come across many instances of breaches, which have led to cyclists endangering themselves and being a nuisance to motorists.

Let me quote a few examples.

At night, many cyclists do not use bicycle lights, and I have difficulty seeing them sometimes.

There are also cyclists who flout traffic rules by riding on the wrong side of the road, and even against the direction of the traffic.

They have no licence plates, which means there is no way to report them or warn them.

Such cyclists cannot be allowed to behave as if they are above the law.

With privilege must also come accountability and responsibility.

I am an advocate of cycling but we have to think the matter through carefully.

If more cyclists are to use the roads, they have to be registered with licence plates - as was the case many years ago - and must follow the same Highway Code as other road users.

George Wong Seow Choon (Dr)

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on January 02, 2016, with the headline Make it a must for cyclists to follow Highway Code. Subscribe