Cyclist Problem

[Elfenstar]

Are you sure about this? I dread to think that I have to jam brake to give way for a cyclist suddenly appearing on the outer most lane because he was trying to get to the right most lane in a 3 lane road (e.g. Bt Timah) to exit at a right side junction. There would be pandemonium on the road!

 

100%. Our entire road traffic act and related rules are listed at the AGC's website. Feel free to browse it. If you have to slam on your brakes, then obviously (in a best case scenario) you have failed to keep a proper lookout while driving.

Edited November 19, 2012 by Elfenstar

[Elfenstar]

Oh I see . So cycling on the road is legal ? And cycling on the right lane with the intention to turn right is legal too ?? So what is the legal distance for the cyclist to keep on the right lane before he turns right ???

If there is no legal distance stated , than every cyclist will say they will be turning right later at 1000m ahead.

 

Yes, yes, and it depends on what the cyclists feels is safe (within reasonable limits based on traffic conditions).

[Elfenstar]

As long as irresponsible cyclists choose to toy with their life and limbs, let them be. No amount of explanation can get into their thick numb skull.

 

As a cyclist myself, i ensure personal and 3rd party safety when i ride. I just don't understand what's so difficult in practising safe, considerate, and responsible riding. Why the need to prove one's rights and challenge drivers on the road and challenge pedestrians on foothpaths? Why the need to invite risks?

 

Is it because of.... Ego? Identity crisis? Low self esteem? Insecurity? Attention seeking? Childishness? Immaturity? Ignorance? Indifferent attitude? Stupid?

 

How are you as a bloody gangho irresponsible cyclist going to cycle in future when you become paralysed? When you lose a limb or all limbs? When you lose your sight? When you become comatose? Is it worth the challenge? Is it worth showing off and talking big who is right or wrong? Or you believe you can continue cycling in your ICU ward or after world?

 

I once cycled passed a group of other cyclists at night. I use the bell as and when i sense risk. I had my headlights and rearlights on. My lights are super bright LED lights because I cycle in a heavy vehicle infested Jurong area where i onced lived.

 

I was laughed at and called kiasu. I stopped and ask them why not with bright lights. I asked them why they had puny invisible lights on their 10K 20K bikes. (Some had no lights. And all had no bells). One of them told me that it destroys the beauty of their bike. He does not want to be a mobile christmas tree. He said he does not want to be seen dead riding like a orchard road light up on his expensive bike.

 

Hahaha.... the day that one of his buddies or himself ends up under a vehicle will prove whether their vanity is worth the minute's silence offered on every Cycle event day. Would they like the presence of a minister or politician to share their moment's silence? Enjoyable and fun is it? Nice to be famous at death is it?

 

I say good luck to these cyclists who insist on riding ignorantly and dangerously whether you are the TDF or the heartland type. Local or foreigner. You choose the consequence. You face up to it dead or half alive. Your choice.

 

Personally I'm not a fan of bells. I think they're rude and they inculcate bad habits. It's far more civilised and safer to pace the pedestrian or cyclist ahead then say "passing left/right" and then only after they react correctly to pass them.

 

As for lights, I'm with you. I have two for the front and rear on all 5 bicycles I look after. One main, one spare and a third rear if you count the blinkers I've attached to all our helmets. I also only cycle in my fluorescent T shirts for added visibility.

[Topspin]

Single file is in reference to using the bus lane during lane hours. At all other times cyclists are allowed to cycle two abreast with a third overtaking as long as its not a single lane road.

 

SINGAPORE LAWS ON CYCLING ROAD TRAFFIC ACT

(CHAPTER 276, SECTION 140)

ROAD TRAFFIC (BICYCLES) RULES

 

Taken from this Website: http://www.ntu.edu.sg/ohs/safetyforeveryon...n%20Cycling.pdf

 

Signals under rule 5 shall be made in sufficient time to enable traffic to take appropriate action for the avoidance of danger. Travelling abreast prohibited.

 

Every bicycle shall be ridden close to the left hand edge of the roadway and in such a manner as not to obstruct vehicles moving at a faster speed.

 

No bicycle shall be ridden on the right of another vehicle proceeding in the same direction except when overtaking such other vehicle.

 

On point no 3 above, a cyclist riding on the extreme right lanes are attempting to turn to the right but cars are overtaking it to its left, hence the cyclist is not overtaking therefore technically riding ilegally on the right side of other vehicles. Just bumped into another angmoh cyclist along Bt Timah at about 6pm this evening. He rode a good 200+m in the middle of the the right lane before turning into a U turn opposite of Garlick Ave. Cars were overtaking him to his left and honking at him but he doesn't give a damn. Definitely a deathwish. Peak hour traffic!

[Topspin]

From another website:

 

 

Where to Cycle

In Singapore, all traffic circulates on the left-hand side of the road. Therefore, bicycles must also be ridden on the left side of the road, close to the left edge of the roadway. The law specifies that the bicycle must be close enough to the edge of the road so as to allow other vehicles moving at a faster speed to pass. If a lane has been designated for bicycles, it is illegal to ride a bicycle along any other part of the roadway or adjacent sidewalks. When multiple bicycles are traveling along a roadway, it is illegal for two or more bicycles to be ridden side-by-side in the same direction. The only exception to this rule is when one bicycle is passing another, which may be done on the right-hand side.

 

 

The cyclist in this forum are inventing their own traffic rules! Please read the rules before you comment and endanger your own life.

[Topspin]

The grim statistic:

 

At least 10 cyclists have been killed in road accidents this year so far. Since 2009, about 16 cyclists have died a year.

 

Right of a cyclist means nothing if you are not alive to champion it.

[Topspin]

have submitted videos of drivers overtaking me on my bicycle less than 1.5m away. Some got charged with inconsiderate driving and some got warnings.

 

I don't believe that any motorist have been charged or warned because you submitted the videos.

 

Extract from an article from Straits Times:

 

"What about road markings, the cyclists asked. A reminder for drivers to keep a distance of 1.5m would help protect them, they said. But LTA said such markings could give cyclists a 'false sense of security'. Traffic Police said a 1.5m gap is a guide which drivers might not always be able to keep to."

 

Going by that LTA statement it means that the onus is on the cyclist to ensure they keep to the left kerb as close as possible to give themselves the necessary safety distance if a car chose to remain in the middle of the left lane because the motorist could NOT filter to a right lane during peak hour.

Edited November 19, 2012 by Topspin

[Nzy]

I don't believe that any motorist have been charged or warned because you submitted the videos.

 

Extract from an article from Straits Times:

 

"What about road markings, the cyclists asked. A reminder for drivers to keep a distance of 1.5m would help protect them, they said.

 

But LTA said such markings could give cyclists a 'false sense of security'. Traffic Police said a 1.5m gap is a guide which drivers might not always be able to keep to."

 

Going by that LTA statement it means that the onus is on the cyclist to ensure they keep to the left kerb as close as possible to give themselves the necessary safety distance.

 

Then TP lying to me lo. They sent me letters for those videos I sent in. Some letters stated they got charged some stated the driver has been given a warning. Its a guide. So I followed that guide and send in those that overtake me dangerously. Those that I sent in either showed the drivers overtaking me really closely even though I am already on the double yellow lines or those that swerved in after overtaking me. Some overtook me with more than 1.5m but then swerved in immediately after that.

Edited November 19, 2012 by Nzy

[Nzy]

SINGAPORE LAWS ON CYCLING ROAD TRAFFIC ACT

(CHAPTER 276, SECTION 140)

ROAD TRAFFIC (BICYCLES) RULES

 

Taken from this Website: http://www.ntu.edu.sg/ohs/safetyforeveryon...n%20Cycling.pdf

 

Signals under rule 5 shall be made in sufficient time to enable traffic to take appropriate action for the avoidance of danger. Travelling abreast prohibited.

 

Every bicycle shall be ridden close to the left hand edge of the roadway and in such a manner as not to obstruct vehicles moving at a faster speed.

 

No bicycle shall be ridden on the right of another vehicle proceeding in the same direction except when overtaking such other vehicle.

 

On point no 3 above, a cyclist riding on the extreme right lanes are attempting to turn to the right but cars are overtaking it to its left, hence the cyclist is not overtaking therefore technically riding ilegally on the right side of other vehicles. Just bumped into another angmoh cyclist along Bt Timah at about 6pm this evening. He rode a good 200+m in the middle of the the right lane before turning into a U turn opposite of Garlick Ave. Cars were overtaking him to his left and honking at him but he doesn't give a damn. Definitely a deathwish. Peak hour traffic!

 

If you read the next line after rule 6 it says cyclists can travel 2 abreast. Only can cycle on the right of 2 cyclists cycling abreast when overtaking. This was confirmed by a TP. Its legal to cycle two abreast.

[Topspin]

Then TP lying to me lo. They sent me letters for those videos I sent in. Some letters stated they got charged some stated the driver has been given a warning. Its a guide. So I followed that guide and send in those that overtake me dangerously. Those that I sent in either showed the drivers overtaking me really closely even though I am already on the double yellow lines or those that swerved in after overtaking me. Some overtook me with more than 1.5m but then swerved in immediately after that.

 

That motorist who was charged probably just have to quote this traffic law on cycling and got away free immediately: The law specifies that the bicycle must be close enough to the edge of the road so as to allow other vehicles moving at a faster speed to pass

 

The cyclist should consider himself lucky that he don't get charged for obstructing traffic flow by riding outside of x inches from the left kerb. Riding abreast is definetely obstructing traffic and should be booked by the TP.

[Nzy]

The grim statistic:

 

At least 10 cyclists have been killed in road accidents this year so far. Since 2009, about 16 cyclists have died a year.

 

Right of a cyclist means nothing if you are not alive to champion it.

 

Might as well show the statistic that 55 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in 2010... Does that mean you won't step out of your house anymore?

[Topspin]

If you read the next line after rule 6 it says cyclists can travel 2 abreast. Only can cycle on the right of 2 cyclists cycling abreast when overtaking. This was confirmed by a TP. Its legal to cycle two abreast.

 

I have seen countless times two cyclist riding abreast and talking for long stretches. Does not look like anyone is doing any overtaking.

[Nzy]

That motorist who was charged probably just have to quote this traffic law on cycling and got away free immediately: The law specifies that the bicycle must be close enough to the edge of the road so as to allow other vehicles moving at a faster speed to pass

 

The cyclist should consider himself lucky that he don't get charged for obstructing traffic flow by riding outside of x inches from the left kerb. Riding abreast is definetely obstructing traffic and should be booked by the TP.

 

Dunno whether he quoted that or not. But I know after I went down to give my statement a second time again they asked me to prepare to go to court and testify. There was no where else for me to go in those situations. I was already on the double yellow lines.

[Nzy]

I have seen countless times two cyclist riding abreast and talking for long stretches. Does not look like anyone is doing any overtaking.

 

Its legal. Only 3 abreast is illegal. 3 abreast only allowed if the cyclist is overtaking another 2 cyclists cycling abreast.

[Topspin]

Might as well show the statistic that 55 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in 2010... Does that mean you won't step out of your house anymore?

 

How many of the 55 died because of jaywalking. How many died because they use a proper pedestrian crossing?

[Topspin]

Its legal. Only 3 abreast is illegal. 3 abreast only allowed if the cyclist is overtaking another 2 cyclists cycling abreast.

 

Show us the rule that states so otherwise it is just your own interpretation.

[Topspin]

Dunno whether he quoted that or not. But I know after I went down to give my statement a second time again they asked me to prepare to go to court and testify. There was no where else for me to go in those situations. I was already on the double yellow lines.

 

There is an option!...don't cycle when the traffic condition is so heavy that cars on the left lane cannot filter to the right.

[Nzy]

Show us the rule that states so otherwise it is just your own interpretation.

 

(2)No bicycle shall be ridden on the right of any two other bicycles proceeding abreast in the same direction except when overtaking such other bicycles or on parts of roads or paths set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.

S 773/2004, wef 01/01/2005

 

I have checked with a TP as well. You can email them to check as well.