I refer to this week’s Talking Point topic “Pavement Wars” on the tension between cyclists, pedestrians and electric scooter users.
Here are my observations on the use of Punggol Promenade and Punggol Waterway, as well as the Lorong Halus Bridge and different bridges in the Punggol Waterway area.
The Government has provided the residents of Punggol with a place to relax. The connectivity to Punggol Point, Pasir Ris, Sengkang and Hougang has provided both joggers and cyclists with different routes for running and cycling.
Along the way, there are prominent signs. At both ends of the different bridges, there are big signs that say “Dismount and Push”. There are also signs clearly indicating that motorised bicycles are not allowed.
And yet, there is a constant flow of cyclists riding on the bridges.
The Lorong Halus Bridge and Sunrise Bridge are well-used by pedestrians. I jog in these areas every weekend.
I walk across the Lorong Halus Bridge every Saturday with my young son and dog when we go to the dog run in Pasir Ris.
One Saturday, my son was almost knocked down by a cyclist. I have also had cyclists ringing their bells behind me on the bridge.
I have called the PUB regularly to report these cyclists. I noticed that a closed-circuit television camera was installed at the Lorong Halus end of the bridge. But the problem persists.
I have also come across several motorised bicycles along the Promenade and in the Waterway area, some travelling quite fast. One man even parked his motorised bicycle beneath the sign that said motorised bicycles are not allowed!
It is one thing to have guidelines and laws. But these have no effect if there is nobody on site to monitor and enforce them.
My son, who is aged 11, has often asked me why these cyclists do not obey the laws. When he cycled, I had always made sure that he dismounted and pushed his bicycle whenever we crossed a bridge.
We should not wait until an accident or unpleasant incident happens before something is done to educate these cyclists.
