Clear and consistent rules to minimise conflict between pedestrians and cyclists: Khaw Boon Wan

SINGAPORE - There is a need for simple, clear and consistent set of rules and norms to minimise conflict between pedestrians and cyclists, wrote Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan in his blog on Tuesday.

The rules should also apply to personal mobility devices as well, such as skateboards, kick scooters, unicycles, electric scooters and so on.

Mr Khaw said that this is to ensure safety for all.

"Such rules, plus common sense and fairness, require that we should watch out for and protect the weakest users," he wrote.

Mr Khaw added that Parliament Secretary for Education and Social and Family Development Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim has been leading a panel of experts and stakeholders to study the situation and develop a set of rules and norms.

"They have been conducting consultations with the public and are in the midst of organising focus groups to dive deeper into the subject.

"Mr Faishal is passionate about walking and cycling and his position in both Ministry of Transport (MOT) and Ministry of Health (MOH) put him in the best position to champion this cause.

"Though he has left MOT and MOH, I have asked him to continue to lead this Panel as he has developed deep knowledge on the subject and a strong network with the stakeholders. Moreover, it is a subject of continuing interest for him. He has readily agreed to do so," wrote Mr Khaw, adding that he looked forward to his panel's recommendations in due course.

klim@sph.com.sg