Cyclists hot and bothered over new 10kmh speed limit on footpaths

Some cyclists are critical of the upcoming 10kmh limit but panel says it is necessary to improve safety and protect path users

SPH Brightcove Video
From 2019, the speed limit for personal mobility devices on footpaths will be reduced from 15kmh to 10kmh. The Straits Times finds out if the difference is significant.
Observers say one difficulty in enforcing the speed limit on cyclists and PMD users is that they may not all have speedometers on their machines.
Observers say one difficulty in enforcing the speed limit on cyclists and PMD users is that they may not all have speedometers on their machines. ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

In a simulation of a collision between a scooter rider and a pedestrian with a weight and height profile of an average elderly person, the probability of a serious head injury is about 70 per cent for a collision speed of 15kmh, and about 30 per cent for 10kmh, says Prof Yap.

"We estimate that a reduction in speed from 15kmh to 10kmh reduces the stopping distance required by about a metre. This is significant as it allows more room to avoid a collision."

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on September 09, 2018, with the headline Cyclists hot and bothered over new 10kmh speed limit on footpaths. Subscribe