Elderly cyclist seen kneeling before LTA enforcement officers at Aljunied overhead bridge

An elderly cyclist was seen on her knees after she was believed to be issued a summon by Land Transport Authority (LTA) officers recently.

In a clip released on Reddit recently, a woman in a yellow shirt was seen speaking to an officer before getting to her knees as she gestured to a bicycle — believed to be hers — parked nearby.

Another officer could be seen approaching them and speaking to the woman, believed to get her to stand up, which she did after a while.

The Straits Times reported that the incident happened on Aug 27 at Aljunied Crescent.

In response to queries, LTA said they empathised with the distress that the cyclist had experienced.

They shared that cycling on overhead bridges without dismounting and pushing the bicycle is an offence, as the bridge is primarily for pedestrians and cycling in the limited space can pose safety risk to them.

The spokesperson added that the officers therefore carried out their enforcement duties, in line with the rules of keeping pedestrians safe.

They also shared that enforcement encounters can sometimes be difficult, especially when members of the public are distressed, and acknowledged that the officers involved in the Aug 27 incident could have "managed the situation more sensitively" and they had since reflected on it.

LTA added: "We will continue to strengthen our officers' training so that they are equipped to manage such situations sensitively, while ensuring that safety rules are applied fairly and consistently to all users of our public paths."

Netizens on social media expressed their support towards the enforcement officers.

One of them wrote: "Honestly, the enforcement officers can't do much. They are instructed to do so and if they don't carry out their duties, it can result in penalties, termination or legal charges."

"They are doing their job, so citizens do your due diligence and just follow the rule/ law," another netizen commented.

One netizen who lives near the bridge shared that people cycling across it is a "common sight".

Some netizens also hoped that leniency could be given if this was the woman's first offence.

"Have compassion please", one of them wrote.

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yeo.shuhui@asiaone.com