As announced at the 2016 Committee of Supply Debate, the Government has accepted in full the Recommendations on the Rules and Code of Conduct for Cycling and the Use of Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) by the Active Mobility Advisory Panel (AMAP). The recommendations pertain to the following areas:
• Types of device to be allowed on footpaths, shared paths and cycling paths;
• Rules and code of conduct for users; and
• Criteria for the types of device to be allowed in public spaces.
Please refer to the Annexes for details on the above recommendations.
2 During the transition period when the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and other agencies are working out the implementation details and making the legislative changes, the public and retailers are encouraged to concurrently begin their preparations to comply with the new policies, rules and code of conduct. For example, members of the public who are looking to buy PMDs should look for devices that comply with AMAP’s recommendations.
3 In the coming months, LTA will step up public education and enforcement efforts to raise awareness and encourage adoption of the new policies, rules and code of conduct, as well as to deter reckless riding.
Public Education
4 In April 2016, LTA will launch an Active Mobility Campaign utilising platforms such as posters and banners at transport nodes and digital media to increase awareness of the policies, rules and code of conduct and the rationale behind them. LTA will also embark on targeted engagement sessions in the ensuing months to familiarise key stakeholders such as community leaders, retailers and interest groups. Other agencies like the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Traffic Police will also step up their public education efforts by organising safe cycling events and talks.
5 The Singapore Road Safety Council (SRSC) and LTA will introduce a Cyclist Education Programme to educate participants on safe cycling practices and proper use of cycling infrastructure. A pilot will be launched in May 2016 to allow SRSC and LTA to take in feedback and refine the programme further before full roll-out to the public through schools, community centres and foreign worker dormitories. LTA will also be working with PMD retailers and interest groups to develop similar education programmes for PMD users.
6 In addition, LTA is working with volunteers from non-government and grassroots organisations to roll out an Active Mobility Patrol scheme. This is similar to the Tampines cycling warden scheme, where community volunteers carry out ground patrols to educate the public on safe and gracious behaviour on paths and deter reckless behaviour. Volunteers in the Toa Payoh East / Novena constituencies are beginning patrols at the end of this month. Jurong Central and Taman Jurong constituencies and the Waterways Watch Society have also indicated their interest to participate in the scheme.
Enforcement
7 The Government takes a serious stance against users who ride recklessly and endanger the safety of others, and will step up enforcement efforts. In this regard, LTA will set up a dedicated cycling and PMD enforcement team, and work with the Traffic Police and NParks to focus on hotspots.
8 In addition, LTA will require the registration of electric bicycles for more effective enforcement, in particular against illegal modification of electric bicycles. Sufficient time will be given for owners to transition to this registration system. LTA is working out the implementation details and more information will be announced at the end of the year.
9 Most of these changes are expected to be implemented by the end of 2016 or early 2017. LTA welcomes feedback and will continue to engage the community to make improvements.
