Code of conduct for cyclists and users of other mobility devices practical and fair: Dr Faishal

Public feedback on the rules and code of conduct for bicycles and mobility devices on footpaths has been mostly positive. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI

SINGAPORE - Two weeks after the Government accepted the recommendations of an expert panel that allows cyclists and users of personal mobility devices (PMDs) on footpaths here, the panel's chairman Faishal Ibrahim said on Sunday that public feedback received has been positive.

"Many people have shared with me that they find that the rules and code of conduct we proposed are practical, fair and most importantly, account for the safety of all the different road users... They feel that it is clearer now as there is something that they can follow and abide to," said Dr Faishal, who is also the parliamentary secretary for Education as well as Social and Family Development.

He was speaking on the sidelines of the launch of the Safe Riders campaign, the first public education campaign since the new rules were accepted. The campaign aims to get pedestrians, cyclists and PMD users to share walkways in a harmonious and safe manner.

Besides recommending that PMDs be allowed on footpaths, the panel had prescribed speed limits on foot and cycling paths, and registration for power-assisted bicycles to clamp down on the illegal modification of these devices.

Dr Faishal said that while there is a need to ensure a "strong enforcement process" to deter errant riders, it is more important to develop a safe riding culture.

"We hope we will be able to practise all these safe riding habits and internalise them and over time, these norms and code of conduct will become second nature," he said at the launch of the campaign at the National Gallery on Sunday morning.

The campaign was tied in with the third run of Car-Free Sunday in which some roads in the Central Business Districts were closed to allow people to run, cycle or ride their devices.

As part of the campaign, a safe riding booth and clinic were set up along the 5km car-free route to promote seven good riding habits and for cyclists and other users to take a voluntary pledge to commit to riding safely.

Said Dr Faishal: "With cycling and the use of PMDs becoming increasingly popular forms of first-and-last mile options, the Active Mobility Advisory Panel is heartened that our recommendations were fully accepted by the Government. However, we are mindful that we have to create and foster an environment and culture where all users can share space in a harmonious and safe manner."

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.