Cycling on the pavement, who has the right of way?


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gary wong

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Sep 3, 2005
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Hi all,

Just want to get everybody's opinion. I cycle a lot. I cycle to buy food, I cycle to exercise, etc. However I always try to cycle on the pavement. Why?

it is safer
there are no crazy bus drivers wanting to ram you at the back
there is no taxi driver in front of you and suddenly brake
there are less rocks and stones and glass on the pavement
etc

everytime i cycle on the pavement, i always make it a point to have a small bell to warn people that I am coming from behind or in front. however, nowadays i notice that people are beginning to ignore the bell rings as well. :( what is happening? some pretend that they never hear and force you off the pavement purposely. who has the right of way? can everybody give cyclists a break? :cry:
 

According to the law(IIRC), bicycles are not allowed on the pavements.
Pedestrian pavements are for pedestrians.
 

Hi all,

Just want to get everybody's opinion. I cycle a lot. I cycle to buy food, I cycle to exercise, etc. However I always try to cycle on the pavement. Why?

it is safer
there are no crazy bus drivers wanting to ram you at the back
there is no taxi driver in front of you and suddenly brake
there are less rocks and stones and glass on the pavement
etc

everytime i cycle on the pavement, i always make it a point to have a small bell to warn people that I am coming from behind or in front. however, nowadays i notice that people are beginning to ignore the bell rings as well. :( what is happening? some pretend that they never hear and force you off the pavement purposely. who has the right of way? can everybody give cyclists a break? :cry:

Actually pedestrians have the right of way and technically speaking you are supposed to be riding on the road with the flow of traffic not on the pavement. A bicycle is considered a vehicle and should be ridden on the road with all other vehicles. The pavement is reserved for pedestrians, unfortunately, the this is not enforced in Sg.

I love cycling too but we have to stick to the rules.
 

according to recent police statement on the use of bicycles on pavements, they advised exercise consideration and safety for all.

Hi all,

Just want to get everybody's opinion. I cycle a lot. I cycle to buy food, I cycle to exercise, etc. However I always try to cycle on the pavement. Why?

it is safer
there are no crazy bus drivers wanting to ram you at the back
there is no taxi driver in front of you and suddenly brake
there are less rocks and stones and glass on the pavement
etc

everytime i cycle on the pavement, i always make it a point to have a small bell to warn people that I am coming from behind or in front. however, nowadays i notice that people are beginning to ignore the bell rings as well. :( what is happening? some pretend that they never hear and force you off the pavement purposely. who has the right of way? can everybody give cyclists a break? :cry:
 

Bicycles are not actually supposed to be ridden on pavements. Try doing that in any developed nation and you will be quickly apprehended by the public and handed over to the police. Unfortunately in S'pore other vehicles don't respect cyclists so I've given up cycling.
 

I used to cycle round singapore. On the roads of cos.
Just some advice;
- Try to keep near to the yellow lines, most, in fact, all road vehicles will pass u with some safety distance, dun worry. They usually take note of cyclists more than Bikers.
- If u are not confident, dun over-take a bus when it is picking up passengers at bus-stop, just wait behind it.
- Take note of vehicles that stop along the road side, beware of the car-door. the driver may open his door w/c noticing u riding by.
 

I have been to Japan. Japan is a very developed country. The cyclists there are allowed to cycle on the pavements. In fact they encourage it. :D

they have some many bikes lining the pavements. they even have special racks for them to put the bikes. So many executives cycle to work, to and fro....

I don't understand why in singapore we are treated this way... anyone who has been to Japan will know this. :)
 

I have been to Japan. Japan is a very developed country. The cyclists there are allowed to cycle on the pavements. In fact they encourage it. :D

they have some many bikes lining the pavements. they even have special racks for them to put the bikes. So many executives cycle to work, to and fro....

I don't understand why in singapore we are treated this way... anyone who has been to Japan will know this. :)

Just curious, Are they pavements wider than here?
 

I am in Japan and yes they do have a lot of people cycling here, it is encouraged. But then it is for reducing traffic congestion, recently I find more and more of them are riding a bicycle when it is so congested on the narrow pathways and still demanding right of way.

not to mention, they park the bicycles there and forget about it. in the end they end up collected in bulk in used shops and the cycle repeats all over again. Imagine I can get a decent condition one for under 50sgd.
 

don't compare. you will be frustrated.


I have been to Japan. Japan is a very developed country. The cyclists there are allowed to cycle on the pavements. In fact they encourage it. :D

they have some many bikes lining the pavements. they even have special racks for them to put the bikes. So many executives cycle to work, to and fro....

I don't understand why in singapore we are treated this way... anyone who has been to Japan will know this. :)
 

I cycle on the pavement too, but I also know that it's the pedestrain pavement. Therefore, the pedestrains have the right of way. In fact, I find it annoying when I see other cyclists ring their bells as they weave pass the pedestrains. I try not to ring the bell when I cycle on the pavement. I just follow behind the pedestrains, cycling slowly. So far, most of the pedestrians will notice me behind after a short while, and will move one side to give way to me. I would usually thank them for that too. I believe that will allow cyclists and pedestrains to co-exist on the pavement without trouble. BTW, I also know that cyclists are legally not allowed on the pavement.:sweat:
 

pedestrians are the "biggest" in Singapore.
so anyone will got to give way other then disable personnel.
 

As someone has already mentioned, bicycles are mean to be ridden on the road not on the sidewalk. And pedestrians do NOT have to give way or get out of your way just because you ring your bell. I think you should be a little more condsiderate and give way to them. Normally people are nice enough move out of your way to let you pass them but don't expect it.

For you to mention what it is like in Japan, hey that's Japan not Singapore.
 

i ring my bell liberally(without reservation) when i think it is necessary to warn or avoid a collision.
 

I don't understand why in singapore we are treated this way... anyone who has been to Japan will know this. :)

You do not need to understand 'why' we are treated this way, but I think most have answered your question regarding who had the 'right of way' on the pavement. Case closed.

I cycle on both the road and pavement. And I learn to give way when needed (on pavement for the pedestrian safety, on the road, for my own safety). I don't demand my 'right of way' especially a heavy vechicle is turning and I'm going straight in a junction.
 

i ring my bell liberally(without reservation) when i think it is necessary to warn or avoid a collision.

Warning people to get out of your way?? Or to avoid a collision because people don't get out of your way???

You're making youself look pretty bad by even admitting to doing something, in my opinion, so inconsiderate.
 

Not supposed to cycle on pavements. Supposed to cycle on roads and also to observe trffic rules. ;)
 

i'm a avid cyclist myself and i cycle on both pavements and road. depending on traffic. if there's less ppls on the pavement and and easier to ride there, i would. if not, i would be careful and ride on the road. riding on the road means i have to ride faster and it's better for me as well.

and if i'm riding on the pavements, i would make sure that i dont hit anyone at all cost. their safety is my main concern. but usually i scare most of them with me stopping next to them and screeching alot. hahaha
 

no. warning others that i am behind and approaching towards them. or to keep to one side and to let me pass. on most occasions, i received and appreciated considerate gestures.

yes, those with two ears plugged with earphones, i keep ringing.

Warning people to get out of your way?? Or to avoid a collision because people don't get out of your way???

You're making youself look pretty bad by even admitting to doing something, in my opinion, so inconsiderate.
 

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