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SINGAPORE: Bicycles without brakes will no longer be allowed on public roads and highways in the future, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) said on Monday (January 25).
This was part of the recommendations established in the fourth review of the Active Mobility Advisory Panel, which the Government has accepted, MOT said in a press release.
The review, presented to the government on December 30, was aimed at “promoting the safe use of active mobility devices.”
READ: All bikes on public roads and highways must have brakes installed, says advisory panel
“While road safety has improved, it is timely that the panel continues to monitor the landscape and make forward-looking recommendations,” the ministry said.
“The panel also plays an important role in involving the public and promoting civic awareness and responsibility among all users of the route.”
SAFETY CONCERNS
In the review, the panel recommended requiring that all bicycles have brakes installed when used on public roads and highways to address safety concerns stemming from the use of unbraked bicycles.
“This was welcomed by the active mobility community, retailers, and pedestrians,” MOT said.
“We will work closely with the panel to implement it. More details will be announced in due course.”
READ: Singapore sees cycling boom amid COVID-19, with increased number of bicycle users and sales
The proposed rule will primarily affect fixed gear bikes, commonly known as fixies, as well as motocross (BMX) bikes used for cycling sports. These make up the majority of specialty bikes that either have a handbrake or no brakes, the advisory panel noted.
Fixed gear riders without brakes brake by reversing, a maneuver that requires considerable force and power.
Under the proposed rule, such bicycles must have at least one parking brake installed when used on roads and highways. Sports bikes can continue to be used without brakes in controlled environments such as pump tracks and skate parks, the panel added.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Transport said: “All active users of mobility devices should continue to practice safe driving and be aware of other roads and road users.”
READ: Plan to expand bike lanes is welcome, but more is needed to further Singapore’s cycling vision
LIABILITY INSURANCE
The panel also highlighted the need to monitor the effectiveness of the requirement from December 2020 so that active users of mobility devices traveling for commercial or commercial reasons are covered by liability insurance.
Authorities should also engage the insurance industry to develop more accessible and affordable liability insurance for non-commercial users, the panel said.
“We agree with the panel’s assessment and will work closely with them as they continue to study the issue,” MOT said.
“ANIMATED” BY PUBLIC SUPPORT: FAISHAL IBRAHIM
The panel member and Minister of State for Internal Affairs and National Development, Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, described the government’s decision as “a good measure that improves the status quo.”
“Although the majority of bikes sold come with two handbrakes, this regulatory step is timely as there has been more interest in bikes without handbrakes lately,” he wrote in a Facebook post on Monday.
“I am especially encouraged that many bicyclists, pedestrians and retailers have expressed support for this measure and agreed that it will be safer for all roads and road users.”
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On the subject of liability insurance, the panel will need to further study the idea of requiring it for all non-commercial passengers, said adjunct professor Faishal.
“Such regulation will affect many Singaporeans, such as the elderly, families and children traveling for pleasure. It is an important and intricate issue, and we must look at tradeoffs carefully, without losing ground in our drive for active mobility.” .
“If you are traveling for pleasure, consider purchasing insurance for peace of mind, for yourself and your family.”
