Large Groups of Cyclists Gathering ‘Getting Out of Control’; 1 Group Even Cycled on Expressway

Are you an avid cyclist who loves cycling at night?

Do you love the empty roads which give you the freedom to ride anywhere and everywhere?

Because if you do, you better hope that those bad apples who’s been cropping up on the internet headlines recently stop what they’re doing…

…or the privilege of cycling on the roads of Singapore might just be taken away, the Singapore Cycling Federation (SCF) warns.

Large Groups of Cyclists Gathering ‘Getting Out of Control’

On 7 Aug 2020, the SCF took to their Facebook page to warn Singapore cyclists against joining large group rides.

SCF says that they’ve received “feedback and complaints” from various sources, including government agencies and from the cycling community regarding the “large group rides starting daily from Upper Thomson Road”.

Photos and videos of them riding dangerously has been circulating on social media, they added, and it is “getting out of hand”.

It also revealed that police reports were made and the authorities will be keeping a closer eye on the situation.

Please Don’t Join Such Rides

They urge that cyclists do not join in such rides, or in the worst-case scenario, the “current cycling privileges” could be taken back by the government.

Here are the guidelines on cycling that the government has implemented:

• Each group should only have a maximum of 5 cyclists
• A safe distance must be kept between groups
• Masks must be worn immediately after rides

1 Group Even Cycled on Expressway

If you’re wondering what led to this, it’s probably because of group rides like this.

On 7 August, popular Facebook page SG Road Vigilante – SGRV uploaded a video on their Facebook page.

While it didn’t specify exactly where and when the incident happened, the road looks suspiciously like an expressway flyover.

It shows a huge group of cyclists riding together in a large group that is obviously more than 5 people.

Not only that, but it could also be seen from the video that they were hogging up at least one entire lane of the road.

One of the cyclists swerved and fell, leading to a few more falling like dominoes.

Again, they were on what seems to be an expressway which is not exactly the best place to take a spill.

Updated Code Of Conduct

Roads aren’t the only places in Singapore where cyclists can get into trouble; footpaths is another complicated issue as well.

Earlier in July 2020, cyclists and PMD riders were told that starting next month, they will not be allowed to use their phones while riding.

They were introduced in light of several circumstances, including safety concerns related to distracted riding.

Devices can be used only if they are mounted or operating in a hands-free manner.

In other words, still can use it to check Google Maps or delivery routes for riders but no more replying WhatsApp messages while on the go.

Users who break the law may incur a fine of up to $1,000 or a prison term of up to three months for the first offence.

Subsequently, the maximum punishment will be doubled.

It’s Not Just Cyclists

Just 3 days ago, it was also reported that pedestrians have to play their part in keeping the footpaths safe.

Just as cyclists should do their part in not being distracted and causing an accident, a pedestrian should also not use their phones while walking and cause an accident too.

The updated Code of Conduct encourages pedestrians to:

• stick to footpaths and pedestrian crossings when available
• stay off shared paths
• keep left on all paths
• stay alert when walking on public paths

According to the Land Transport Authority (LTA), pedestrians should also “refrain from using a mobile communication device or operating any of its communication or other functions – such as listening to music – in a manner as will prevent the pedestrian from detecting danger or oncoming obstacles”.

You can find out more here.