Between January and September this year, over 245 cyclists were caught cycling on expressways. That is four times more offenders caught than the whole of 2020. Looks like the traffic police have their plates full.
These cyclists were using bicycles and electronic bikes, both of which are still banned from expressways.
More People Are Cycling
It is understandable that more people are picking up the hobby during these tremulous times because they want to stay fit.
However, with more people picking up the hobby without being properly educated on the rules and safety precautions, there is bound to be an increase of rule-breakers.
Thus, the gahmen is trying to reduce that using various steps:
- Increase fines from 2022
- More colourful and prominent signs at the entry point to over 50 expressway
- More rules
Fine Increment from 2022
Fines for certain offences like failing to stop at a red light, riding against the flow of traffic and riding on expressways will be doubled from S$75 to S$150.
If the cyclists cause harm, they could be thrown behind bars for three months or face a fine of S$1,000 if it is their first offence.
They will get a penalty of up to S$2,000 or imprisonment of up to six months if it is not their first time they are being inconsiderate towards others.
More Colourful and Prominent Signs
To remind the cyclists not to enter the expressways, more colourful and prominent signs were put up at the entry points of various expressways. Here are some of the locations:
- Upper Thomson Road (before SLE)
- Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim and Tuas West Road (before AYE)
- Jalan Anak Bukit (before Pan-Island Expressway and Bukit Timah Expressway)
- Balestier Road (before CTE)
More large and bright signage will be deployed to other locations if the authorities find it necessary.
Cyclists Group Limited to 5
The good news is, from next year onwards, you will not see a group of 30 cyclists asserting dominance against the vehicles on the road. This is because the gahmen have decided to stop the shenanigans and impose a fine.
Cyclists groups will be limited to five per single file group. They are also allowed to ride two abreast on the roads with two or more lanes, in a group of 10.
If you still insist on starting your bicycle gang on the road with more than 10 members, you could face a S$150 fine.
Why Do Cyclists Cycle on Expressways?
If you are imagining the expressway as a dangerous location for tiny cyclists to be venturing at, you are spot on. But why do people still risk their life and cycle there?
Mr Steven Lim, president of the safe cycling task force has a few theories:
- GPS marks out the highways as the shortest route
- Convenience
For example, if you are trying to get from Paya Lebar to Eunos quickly, travelling on the PIE is the shortest route. However, the shortest route does not mean it is the safest or even a legal route.
Thus, it is recommended for cyclists to study the route before setting off on their journey.
Another reason is the cyclists get lost and end up on the expressway. This will pose danger to other road users.
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Featured Image: Facebook (LTA)
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