Cyclist Killed in Hit-and-Run Incident on Nicoll Highway
Singapore undoubtedly embraces cycling with its numerous park connectors and dedicated lanes separating cyclists from pedestrians. Surely, you have observed the growing number of cyclists during your daily commute.
Nonetheless, this cyclist-friendly environment does not always guarantee safety on the roads, as a recent tragic incident painfully illustrates.
On the morning of 19 December, a 45-year-old cyclist lost his life in a hit-and-run accident on Nicoll Highway.
Details of the Tragedy
The police received report of a collision involving a car and a bicycle on Nicoll Highway, heading towards Guillemard Road.
The police reportedly told Straits Times that the man was unconscious when he was brought to Tan Tock Seng hospital where he subsequently passed away.
The driver behind the accident is a 33-year-old man, who has been arrested for dangerous driving causing death. Investigations into this incident is currently ongoing.
In 2022, it was reported that Singapore records an average of 560 serious accidents involving cyclist on roads each year. Serious accidents in this context refers to accidents resulting in fatalities or injuries.
While this statistic may seem alarming, former Transport Minister Mr Iswaran, has noted that the number of accidents has remained relatively stable when considered in relation to the growing population of cyclists in Singapore.
In an effort to bolster road safety, new regulations were introduced in 2021. These rules limit cycling groups to a maximum of five individuals. It is considered an offence to cycle in groups exceeding this limit, with violators facing a fine of $150.
Additionally, Land Transport Authority (LTA) had released road safety guidelines for safe cycling on roads. Alongside the aforementioned regulations, cyclists are required to adhere to traffic signals and travel in the same direction as the flow of traffic. They are also encouraged to ride at the extreme left of the road and avoid expressways.
Furthermore, users of E-scooters have been banned from using footpath roads. They are now restricted to cycling paths and must register their devices with the LTA. To operate these devices in public spaces, users are also required to pass an online theory test. Failure to do so can result in fines of up to $2000- or six-months’ imprisonment for first-time offenders.
These measures aim to enhance safety for all road users and ensure responsible cycling practices.