A video showing more than 20 cyclists along Seletar Aerospace Park had sparked a lot of attention among both cyclists and road users last week.
Later, it was confirmed that these cyclists were apprehended by enforcement officers from Traffic Police (TP) and Land Transport Authority (LTA) as part of the 𝗜𝗦𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗-𝗪𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡𝗧 𝗘𝗡𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗧 𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗡-𝗥𝗢𝗔𝗗 𝗖𝗬𝗖𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗦, which took place from June 24 to July 9, 2023.
A Facebook post from the Singapore Police Force also confirmed that a total of 26 composition offers were issued for breaching the cycling group size rule.
Source: Singapore Police Force Facebook Page
Cyclists slapped with S$150 fine
It was later revealed, in an article published by CNA, that these cyclists were fined S$150 each for breaching the size limit rule.
This is also the first time Traffic Police (TP) and the Land Transport Authority (LTA) have issued fines to cyclists for breaching the size limit since its introduction in 2022.
2 Cyclists plans on submitting appeal to the authorities
A cyclist by the name of “Chuan” recently made a post on the SG PCN Cyclist Facebook Page claiming to be one of the 26 cyclists who received fines.
Source: SG PCN Cyclist Facebook Page
ROADS.sg reached out to Chuan and discovered that neither she nor her husband were actually part of the group.
Instead, they briefly overlapped paths with the larger group of cyclists while they were cycling on Seletar Aerospace Drive.
This is also where the authorities were recording the cyclists cycling in the big group.
When we clarified with Chuan, she also mentioned that the group of cyclists attempted to explain to the officers that they were not part of their group, but their explanation was promptly dismissed.
Couple overlapped with bigger group for about 750 metres
We were also graciously given the route that Chuan and her husband took in comparison to the larger group of cyclists at Seletar Aerospace Drive where the fine took place.
By examining the route itself, along with the assistance of Google Maps, we observed that the overlapping period occurred over a mere 750 metres before the couple splited ways with the rest of the cyclists that continued cycling straight.
This could easily be covered by the cyclists in just a few minutes.
Source: SG PCN Cyclist Facebook Page
Couple splited ways with cyclists group and arrived at junction later
It was apparent that the couple, taking a longer route around Seletar Aerospace Crescent, arrived at the junction later than the other cyclists who were already stopped by the enforcement officers.
Despite the officers being aware that the couple approached from a different direction and arrived later, they still issued them a fine because they were recorded during the overlapping period with the other cyclists.
Couple yet to receive their tickets
Although the incident occurred over a week ago, when ROADS.sg spoke to Chuan, she mentioned that they have not yet received their ticket.
Additionally, they are uncertain whether their innocence has been confirmed in this particular case.
“I have mounted a video camera to be used on future rides”
When we asked what is one thing that will change after facing such an unpleasant experience, she shared that she and her husband have since equipped themselves with a mounted video camera for their future cycling rides.
She also encouraged other cyclists to do the same and expressed hope that others can learn from their experience.
Dedicated cycling lanes at Seletar Aerospace Park
ROADS.sg also acknowledges that there is a dedicated cycling lane spanning 4.6 kilometres on West Camp Road within Seletar Aerospace Park itself.
According to an article published by The Straits Times during the introduction of these dedicated cycling lanes, Senior Parliament Secretary for Transport Baey Yam Keng stated,
‘…the restrictions on cycling group size will be lifted for both the dedicated on-road cycling lane on Tanah Merah Coast Road and West Camp Road, as authorities have determined that these lanes are safe for larger groups, particularly during periods of lower vehicular traffic.’ (The Straits Times, 2022)
However, cyclists should nonetheless note that this only applies to a small part of Seletar Aerospace Park.
Cyclists should still obey the rules and regulations in other parts of Seletar Aerospace Park when they are out of the dedicated path.
Furthermore, cyclists need to be aware that these lane regulations only apply on Sundays from 5am to 11am.
ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG, all right reserved
Penalties could have been worst for cyclist breaking size limit rule
For those who may not be aware, the rule imposing a size limit on cyclists was introduced by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) in 2022.
It was stated that offenders could face a maximum penalty of a fine up to S$1,000 and a three-month jail term.
Source: Ministry of Transport (MOT) Website
Cyclists urged to abide by cycling rules and guidelines
According to the article reported by CNA, the TP and LTA have urged cyclists to adhere to the rules and guidelines established for their safety, as well as the safety of other road users.
Several of these rules can be readily found on LTA’s website.
Source: LTA’s Website
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