SINGAPORE: A bus had to drive at a very slow pace due to a cyclist riding in front of it, blocking its path.
The incident, captured on video, was uploaded to Reddit on 2 December.
While the specific location remains unknown, it appears to have occurred along the long 147 bus route.
The footage shows a cyclist wearing a green tank top riding slowly between the bus and the lane, repeatedly glancing behind him as if preparing to cross into the bus’s path.
When the bus reached a stop, the cyclist switched lanes.
The video’s uploader claimed that the bus was forced to drive slowly for over 10 minutes because of the cyclist’s actions.
The uploader expressed frustration and called for stricter enforcement of rules regarding such cyclists, suggesting that penalties should be more severe to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“I really hope enforcement on this should be way more severe,” the user stated.
Reddit users criticise cyclist for blocking bus and ignoring safety rules
Under the post, many users criticised the cyclist’s behaviour.
One user questioned whether the cyclist was trying to change lanes, noting that he was barely pedalling and seemed oblivious to the bus behind him while riding in the centre of the lane.
Another user pointed out that the cyclist’s bike lacked lights, emphasising the safety risk.
They suggested that while bike lanes may not be within everyone’s control, cyclists could opt to ride on the pavement during peak traffic or in busy areas, highlighting that the cyclist’s actions not only slowed down traffic but also posed a hazard to all road users.
A third user proposed a potential solution, suggesting that repeat offenders who cycle outside designated bike lanes should face fines and have their bicycles impounded.
However, another user disagreed, arguing that such measures would not work due to the attitude of some cyclists in Singapore.
They cited the example of the TMCR cycling lane, where cyclists often ignored the designated lanes, offering excuses for not using them.
Debate sparks over cyclist’s behaviour
One user, however, defended the cyclist, stating, “All I see in this video is someone cycling safely and legally. Can’t everyone just relax a bit?”
In response, another user disagreed, pointing out the cyclist’s lack of rear lights, emphasising that even non-cyclists know the importance of front and rear lights when riding at night.
They argued that the cyclist’s failure to use proper lighting was a safety issue, noting that helmets should also have a tail light for added visibility.
Another user weighed in, arguing that the cyclist was not cycling safely.
They clarified that riding slowly does not automatically mean safe behaviour.
In fact, they suggested that the cyclist was putting both himself and other road users at risk, calling the rider’s actions “super irresponsible.”
The debate continued with one user questioning which laws the cyclist might have been violating.
In response, another user reminded others of the specific requirements under the Land Transport Authority’s Active Mobility Act (AMA), which outlines the rules for cyclists in Singapore.
The AMA mandates that cyclists and power-assisted bicycle (PAB) riders must obey traffic signals, wear helmets, and ride as close to the far-left edge of the road as practicable, allowing vehicles to overtake safely.
Cyclists are also required to cycle in single file on single-lane roads and during bus lane operational hours, use lights in low-visibility conditions, and avoid expressways or restricted areas.
Under the AMA, violations can lead to severe penalties.
First-time offenders may face fines of up to S$1,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or both.
Repeat offenders may be fined up to S$2,000, face up to six months in jail, or both.
These rules aim to ensure harmony between cyclists, motorists, and other road users.
