Cyclist Fined $300 for Speeding on Footpath; Has Sped by 17kmh

Did you know that roads are not the only ones with speed limits?

In fact, did you know that park connectors (PCN) also have speed limits?

Well, this cyclist had to learn it the hard way after he rode at 27kmh at Rail Corridor (South) footpath and ended up getting fined a whopping $300 for it.

Cyclist Fined $300 for Speeding on Footpath; Has Sped by 17kmh

Wanting to ensure that his fellow cyclists do not commit the same offence as him, the cyclist decided to share the notice of his offence issued by the National Parks Board (NParks) onto SG PCN Cyclist, a Facebook group shared by cyclists of Singapore.

Image: Facebook (SG PCN Cyclist)

According to the notice, the letter was issued on 22 October for the offence that was committed on 5 September, at 10:24am.

He was fined for riding a bicycle on a footpath and exceeding the speed limit of 10km/h by 17km/h and his actions were in contravention of Reg 4(2)(b) of the Parks and Trees Regulations (CAP 216, R1).

Basically, these regulations are in place to ensure that no one abuses the parks and puts others in danger with their own actions, especially when a notice has already been displayed warning against such behaviour.

Enforcement to Ensure Cyclists Ride Safely

Parks are used by many people, from kids, to the elderly, to skaters, and even cyclists. At times, some of the paths can be quite narrow. In order to create a safe space for everyone, cyclists are reminded to slow down and dismount their bicycles whenever necessary, especially when approaching crowded areas.

One netizen pointed out that these regulations were put in place after errant cyclists kept speeding among crowds, and referenced a letter that was written by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and NParks.

Image: Facebook (SG PCN Cyclist)

Speed Limit Signs Are Displayed

According to netizens, speed limit signs are placed around the park connectors in Singapore. There are also huge words painted on the pathways to get cyclists to slow down as there could be pedestrians ahead.

While PCNs usually have a speed limit of 25km/h and footpaths have a speed limit of 10km/h, a few signs are placed along the Rail Corridor indicating that the speed limit for the area is actually 10km/h.

Image: Facebook (Lee Amy)
Image: Facebook (Sai Gong)

As long as signs are displayed clearly, cyclists are legally bound to comply with the indicated limits.

If you do not adhere to the regulations put in place, you will be fined.

Some Netizens Against The Regulations, But Majority In Favour of Them

After the cyclist posted his notice of offence on Facebook, his post quickly gained the attention of many netizens.

Some felt that the speed limit of 10km/h was simply too low for cyclists to adhere to as even runners could easily exceed this speed.

Image: Facebook (SG PCN Cyclist)

Others questioned how cyclists were supposed to track their own speeds when cycling.

Image: Facebook (SG PCN Cyclist)

Some remarked that it was time for them to install speedometers on their bikes.

Image: Facebook (SG PCN Cyclist)

The majority of the comments were in favour of the regulations as they felt that pedestrians, especially kids and the elderly, need to be protected from errant cyclists who ride too fast.

This can be dangerous because some pedestrians are not able to react quickly enough, and this could cause a collision that could result in fatal injuries.

Image: Facebook (SG PCN Cyclist)
Image: Facebook (SG PCN Cyclist)
Image: Facebook (SG PCN Cyclist)

What do you think?

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Featured Image: Facebook (Lee Amy & SG PCN Cyclist)