YOUR GUIDE TO INTRA-TOWN CYCLING
Content 04 Introduction 05 Attire Before you set off 06 Safety Checklist for Bicycle 07 Maintenance 08 Preventing Bicycle Theft What to look out for on the way 10 Signs & Markings 13 Facilities Ensuring a safe and pleasant ride for all 14 Cycling Paths 19 Shared Paths 20 On-Road Cycling 22 Road Traffic Rules 23 Acknowledgements
Introduction As part of overall plans to promote cycling as a healthy form of transport, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) is constructing a comprehensive network of cycling paths to facilitate intra-town cycling in selected HDB towns. These cycling paths will connect cyclists with key public transport nodes, such as MRT stations and bus interchanges where they can continue with their journeys on public transport. Cyclists will be able to cycle safely on these cycling paths from their homes to key amenities, such as neighbourhood centres, markets and schools. Recreational cyclists can also use these cycling paths to connect to the existing Park Connector Network (PCN). Cyclists are strongly encouraged to take note of the good cycling etiquette and safety tips included in the guide to enable a safe and pleasant ride for all users of the cycling path. 4
Before you set off Attire Wear bright visible clothing to ensure you are seen especially during the hours of darkness. Wear cycling safety helmet. If you fall, the head is part of the body that is most exposed to serious injuries. It is essential to wear a safety helmet for protection against head injuries. The force of the impact would be distributed over the surface of the helmet, rather than on the head. Never compromise when choosing a helmet. Check that the helmet fits comfortably. It should remain in position and not slide forward or backwards. 5
Safety Checklist for Bicycle Check front light (white) Ensure brakes are working Check rear light (red) Check tyre pressure Preventing Bicycle Theft - U-lock 6
Maintenance You should maintain the serviceability of your bike on a regular basis to ensure safety for yourself and other road users. Weekly Maintenance Lubricate exposed moving parts of the bike, such as the chain and gear mechanisms, taking care not to get any lubricant on wheel rims or brake blocks. Check tyre pressure and condition. Monthly Maintenance Wheels: Brakes: Gears: Steering: Pedals: Frame: Make sure your wheels are properly fastened and in line with the frame. Check the brake blocks for wear and ensure they contact squarely with the rim, not the tyre. Replace worn or frayed brake cables and adjust brakes so that the brake levers don t come into contact with the handlebars when braking hard. Check gears work correctly and cables move freely (though it s best to leave gear repairs to a bicycle mechanic). Clean the chain with a rag soaked in degreaser then re-oil. Check for looseness in the handlebar and stem and tighten where necessary. Pedals should spin freely so check the pedal axles for looseness and tighten. Regularly inspect the frame for any damage. Ensure the seat height is correct and that the seat post bolt is tight. 7
Preventing Bicycle Theft You can take simple steps to safeguard your bicycle from theft: 1 Keep your bicycle inside your house when you are not using it. If you need to park your bicycle at a public place, park at a designated bicycle parking bay. Indiscriminate parking may result in enforcement actions being taken by relevant agencies; 2 Lock your bicycle when left unattended, even if it is only for a short while. All removable bicycle components should be secured; 8
3 Use a durable lock. You can consider using a U-lock that provides better security compared to cable locks. 4 Make unique permanent identification marks such as engravings or affix the Bicycle Security Label on your bicycle. The Bicycle Security Label comes with a unique serial number that helps you and Police to identify your bicycle if it is stolen. You can approach any Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) with your bicycle to collect a label. 9
What to look out for along the way The following are some signs, markings and facilities that you are likely to encounter when travelling along the cycling path network in HDB towns. Signs and Markings Stay within the dedicated paths for cyclists or pedestrians 10
Sharing of path between pedestrian and cyclists Always cycle on the left side of the footway unless overtaking. Be alert and give way to pedestrian movements at high pedestrian areas Watch out and beware of vehicles from side accesses For your own safety, dismount from the bicycle and proceed by pushing it forward When crossing the road, watch out for on-coming vehicles 11
Speed regulating strips To reduce the speed of cyclists approaching an area where conflicting movement ahead is expected. (eg; bus stops, junctions) Cyclists should slow down, give way or stop to dismount & push across these areas. Bicycle Logo Bicycle logo demarcating the designated cycle path for cyclists. Bicycle Crossing Sign Any cyclist who is within 50 metres of either side of a bicycle crossing as indicated by traffic signs, shall make use of the bicycle crossing for the purpose of crossing the road. Bicycle Crossing Signal Cyclist shall only cross when the green bicycle in the traffic light is illuminated. 12
Facilities Bicycle Crossing Bicycle crossing helps segregate the cyclist and pedestrian movements. Cyclists are provided with their own designated crossing path which is demarcated by traffic signals, signs and bicycle markings. Keep to your left and cross only when the green bicycle sign in the traffic signal is lighted. 13
Ensuring a Safe and Pleasant Ride for all The town is a shared space for a variety of users. As you cycle from your home to your destination, be mindful of other users and give way when necessary for everyone s safety. Cycling Path Here are some tips to help ensure a safe and pleasant ride for all users while on the cycling path. Use your front light and rear light when it s dark Ring the bell only when necessary Always keep to the left unless overtaking 14
Do not cycle across pedestrian overhead bridges, pedestrian underpasses or pedestrian crossings. Dismount and push your bicycle 15
Do not speed on your bicycle or ride in an inconsiderate manner Do not overtake others in a dangerous manner Practice good cycling behaviour and always give way to pedestrians and other cyclists Dismount and push at high pedestrian areas such as traffic crossings, bus stops and covered linkways 16
Slow down and give way to vehicles when approaching car park accesses Slow down and give way to pedestrians when approaching intersections with pedestrian access 17
Slow down when approaching intersections with limited sight distance around bends Stay on cycling path when available Slow down and be prepared to stop when approaching high pedestrian areas. Dismount and push if necessary If you are continuing your journey on public transport and wish to bring your foldable bicycle on public transport, you may find out more information from http://www.smrt.com.sg/riderguide/faq.aspx 18
Shared Paths When on shared paths such as Park Connector Network, always practise good cycling etiquette and give way to pedestrians and other cyclists. Keep to your left when on shared path Always be aware and alert of other users Ring the bell only when necessary Give way to pedestrians and other cyclists Stay on track. Look out for path marking guiding cyclists and pedestrians 19
On-Road Cycling For the safety of all road users, respect both traffic regulations and other users. Observe traffic light signals, traffic signs and road markings When cycling on the road, cycle close to the left side of the road so as not to obstruct vehicles moving at a faster speed Slow down when approaching road openings, bends, junctions, bus stops and pedestrian crossings Do not ride against traffic flow Do not weave through traffic When passing a parked car, beware of passengers opening doors. Keep a safe distance away. Do not squeeze between a stopped bus at a bus stop and the kerb 20
Use hand signals to alert drivers and other cyclists when you intend to turn left, right or stopping Avoid staying close to the back of turning vehicles or squeezing between the turning vehicle and the kerb Do not cycle across pedestrian crossings. Dismount and push your bicycle 21
Road Traffic Act All cyclists must abide by the same traffic rules as other motorists. Under the Road Traffic (Bicycles) Rules and other road-related rules, cyclists are: 1 Prohibited from riding on the right side of another vehicle that is not a bicycle, unless they are attempting to overtake the vehicle. 2 Allowed to ride two abreast in the same direction on a public road. A third cyclist (abreast) is only allowed when when overtaking. If three or more cyclists are riding in a group, they must ride in pairs or a single file. 3 Required to keep to the left-hand edge of the roadway and not in a way so as to obstruct other vehicles moving at a faster speed. 4 Required to ride in an orderly manner, with due regard for safety of others. 5 Required to turn on the white light at the front and red light at the rear of the bicycle during hours of darkness 6 Required to use available bicycle crossing when within 50 metres of either side of a bicycle crossing as indicated by traffic signs. Keep to your left and cross only when the green bicycle sign in the traffic signal is lighted. 7 Prohibited from riding on footways except in Tampines Town. 8 Allowed to ride within bus lane but prohibited from riding abreast. 9 Allowed to use a LTA-approved power-assisted bicycle on a public road if they are above 16 years of age. Suitable protective bicycle helmets must be worn by both cyclist and pillion passenger. 22
Acknowledgements We would like to thank the following organisations who provided inputs for this Guide to Intra-Town Cycling. National Park Boards http://www.nparks.gov.sg Singapore Police Force Traffic Police http://www.spf.gov.sg Singapore Sports Council http://www.ssc.gov.sg Safe Cycling Task Force http://safecycling.org Singapore Road Safety Council http://srsc.org.sg
1 Hampshire Road Singapore 219428 www.lta.gov.sg www.onemotoring.com.sg