Forum: Safety and practical considerations determine use of shared bus lanes and road shoulders
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We refer to Solomon Tan Kia Tang’s letter on ways to improve motorcycle safety on our roads (Make better use of bus lanes and road shoulders to improve motorcycle safety, June 17).
Road safety is a priority for the Land Transport Authority (LTA). We work closely with the Traffic Police to regularly review and strengthen road safety measures for all road users, including motorcyclists.
Our roads are designed with safety in mind and to serve specific functions. Road shoulders, in particular, provide space for emergency vehicles, incident response and broken-down vehicles. Keeping them clear ensures assistance can be rendered quickly and safely when needed.
Bus lanes enable faster and more reliable bus journeys, to benefit commuters especially during peak hours.
Allowing motorcyclists to use bus lanes during operating hours would compromise the efficiency and reliability of bus services. Outside bus lane operating hours, other vehicles, including motorcyclists, can already use these lanes.
While dedicated motorcycle lanes have been implemented in some cities, their suitability depends on the availability of road space, local road conditions and travel patterns. In land-scarce Singapore, road space must be carefully balanced across different users, including public transport commuters, motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and users of active mobility modes.
While we continue to enhance road safety measures, road safety is ultimately a shared responsibility. Everyone has a part to play to keep our roads safe, such as observing traffic rules, keeping within speed limits, remaining alert and being considerate towards one another.
Alvin Chia
Senior Group Director, Traffic and Road Operations
Land Transport Authority
