[ad_1]
SINGAPORE – Bicycles without a working handbrake should be banned on trails and roads, the Active Mobility Advisory Panel (AMAP) said on Wednesday (December 30).
If accepted, this proposed rule will affect fixed gear bikes, which generally do not have manually operated brakes, but instead rely on the resistance of the rider’s pedal to stop.
It will also affect motocross (BMX) bikes, which are off-road sports bikes used for racing and stunts.
The panel presented its recommendation on the issue to the Ministry of Transport on Wednesday.
In its report, AMAP said: “After consulting technical experts, studying the experience of other jurisdictions, and involving various stakeholders, the panel recommends that there should be a minimum brake requirement for all bicycles used on roads and trails. public “.
He said this would improve safety for both cyclists and road users.
The panel said fixed gear bikes, known as fixies, are used primarily for recreational cycling or for track cycling. He said inexperienced riders may find it challenging to stop fixed gear bikes effectively.
Such bicycles came under public scrutiny in January this year.
A 13-year-old novice cyclist died after colliding with a metal railing in a multi-story car park in Pasir Ris. She was riding her friend’s fixed gear bike down a ramp.
AMAP noted that the accident occurred because the girl could not stop the bicycle.
He added: “Although these bikes could have handbrakes installed, the owners tended not to, as they would be perceived as cooler and had lower maintenance costs.”
With the new proposed rule, all fixed gear bike users must install at least one handbrake to use the devices on roads and highways.
On BMX bikes, the panel said they found they were typically used in controlled environments, such as bike parks, and generally not used for daily commuting.
Cyclists using them in such controlled environments will still be able to do so. But they will have to install at least one brake if they want to use the bike on roads and highways.
AMAP added: “The panel will also work closely with the government to monitor whether the current practice of conventional bicycles equipped with two hand brakes would change with the new regulation, and would take further action if necessary.”
The panel also recommended in its report that general liability insurance (TPLI) regulations should not be imposed on non-commercial users at this time.
He said requiring the insurance would affect all active mobility users, including infrequent users.
“Before introducing new TPLI requirements for non-commercial users, TPLI products must be affordable and readily available,” said AMAP.
“The current high cost of TPLI, especially compared to the cost of active mobility devices, will deter many non-commercial users from adopting active mobility modes.”
He said he will continue to study the problem and work with the insurance industry to develop affordable non-commercial passenger liability insurance.
Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, who chairs AMAP, said in a Facebook post that the panel will also monitor the effectiveness of mandatory liability insurance for business users of active mobility devices.
He added: “Even as we strive to keep our rules and guidelines relevant, we are aware of the impact that changes can have on our active mobility community.”
[ad_2]
