#1 Eyes on the path, hands on the handlebars

Mount your device while riding. Do not use your mobile communication device (e.g. mobile phone) while riding! Flouting this can lead to a fine and/or jail term, or an accident—all of which are going to throw more of a spoke in your wheels than missing out on the latest social media updates!

#2 Send the right signals

Unpredictability may be part of what makes life exciting, but that does not apply on paths or roads. Sharp cyclists are predictable ones who signal their intentions. So when riding on roads, give sufficient notice for timely hand signals to show others around of your intention to stop, slow down or turn—it’s safer when you do, and illegal if you don’t.

These are good habits to keep when you’re riding on paths, and, together with ringing a bell to alert others to your presence, can go a long way in keeping your ride smooth.

#3 Suit up!

No better way to look sharp than to suit up in the right attire. No matter how experienced a cyclist you are, remember that helmets are compulsory on roads, and definitely don’t hurt when you’re on paths. In the same vein, it’s best to wear light-coloured clothing when riding at night so that other road users can see you more clearly.

Finally, to look and feel your best, choose clothes that fit well—meaning no excess fabric flapping around—and that are perspiration-wicking to survive the sunny Singapore weather.

#4 Lights on!

Light-coloured clothing aside, nothing is going to catch attention better on a dark path or road than your bike lights. So light up, and not just with any lights. When riding during the hours of darkness (usually between 7pm to 7am), you must have a front white light and a rear red light or reflector on your bike—not just because it’s safer, but also because a fine and/or jail term awaits if you don’t!

#5 Ride in a safe and orderly manner

As the saying goes: “two is company, three is a crowd”. On roads with two or more lanes, there can only be a maximum of two cyclists riding abreast. During bus lane operational hours or on single lane roads, you’ll need to ride single file.

When riding in groups on roads, keep to a maximum of five cyclists if riding in single file, or 10 cyclists if riding two abreast. Groups may converge when waiting at traffic junctions but remember to keep to the group size rules after riding off.

Finally, stay as near as possible to the far-left edge on roads. You are going slower than the cars around you, so it’s not just safer, but also considerate to stay to the side.

Refer to this checklist for a safer cycling experience on paths and roads (PDF, 2MB)!

#6 Stay in your zone

Cycling is not permitted on expressways, expressway tunnels, road tunnels, slip roads linked to expressways, and interchanges between two or more expressways! But did you know? There are also dedicated cycling lanes at Tanah Merah and West Camp Road (only on Sundays from 5am to 11am) for you on-road cycling fans!

Tip: When navigating your cycling route, remember to adjust your GPS settings to avoid entering the expressways! Check out the Roads Cyclists Are Prohibited On (PDF, 62kB) for more info.

#7 Take care of your bike

Just like you send your car for regular maintenance, you should do the same for your bikes! Look out for worn brakes, rusty chains and flat tyres to save yourself from injuries, punctures or breakdowns while riding. Also, do remember that it’s mandatory for any bike on paths or roads to have working handbrakes!