LTA to Install Cycling Signs Along Popular Cycling Routes

From 18 August 2008, signs to warn motorists of the presence of cyclists can be spotted along roads such as Upper Thomson Road, Mandai Road, West Coast Road and Tuas Road.

These roads in the central and western parts of Singapore are popular with cycling enthusiasts and frequently used for their training sessions.

The expansion of these signs to the central and western routes is an initiative undertaken by LTA after consultation with the Safe Cyclists Task Force (SCTF). In October 2007, a pilot was conducted in the Eastern Zone near the Changi area, where such signs were first installed.

The popular cycling routes in the central area comprise Neo Tiew Road, Kranji Way, Kranji Road, Lim Chu Kang Road, Old Choa Chu Kang Road, Woodlands Road, Mandai Road, Mandai Avenue, Upper Thomson Road and Old Upper Thomson Road.

The routes in the western area include Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, Jurong Pier Road, Jalan Buroh and West Coast Highway.

Facilitating cycling is in line with the Land Transport Master Plan. LTA Chief Executive, Mr Yam Ah Mee, elaborated "We must ensure the safety of cyclists on the roads and the installation of these safety signs along these stretches of roads will help to alert motorists of the presence of cyclists and make it safer for those who cycle on the roads."

LTA's move is supported by avid cyclist and SCTF member, Mr Leo Tan. He said "We understand that making the roads safe for cycling is a challenging task as the needs of various stakeholders have to be carefully balanced. Thus, the extension of the signs to these other routes is certainly a step in the right direction. Apart from alerting motorists to take extra care on roads commonly used by cyclists, it also stands as a symbolic recognition by the State that motorists must share the roads with cyclists. Such support from authorities like the LTA bodes well for our efforts to promote safety and to achieve harmonious co-existence between cyclists and other road users."

Another SCTF member, Mr Nik Ho, added "As cyclists, we welcome the expansion of these signs as it enhances our safety on the road. The SCTF will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities in the implementation of such measures."

LTA highlighted that while these signs are meant to raise awareness of cyclists' presence at frequent training routes, less skillful cyclists should exercise judgment when determining if these routes are suitable for them. All cyclists are advised to adopt safe cycling behavior whether they travel along these routes or elsewhere.

With the expansion of these signs to the central and western areas, a total of 119 signs have been installed.

Credits: Jarvis