NParks and police looking for cyclist who knocked down boy at Serangoon

SINGAPORE - The National Parks Board (NParks) and the police are working together to identify the cyclist who knocked down a three-year-old boy, leaving the child with bruises, a swollen lip and a 1cm cut on his chin.

The incident happened on Sunday morning when Kyle was jogging along with the Serangoon Park Connector with his dad, air force engineer Lin Jianxiong.

Mr Lin noticed a cyclist speeding towards them as they were jogging towards a fitness corner near Sengkang East Drive at 11.15am.

Before he could react, the cyclist crashed into Kyle at a speed of approximately 40kmh, Mr Lin told My Paper.

Kyle has developed a fear of cyclists ever since the incident happened, Chinese evening daily Lianhe Wanbao reported.

As he revisited the accident site on Monday, the lively 3-year-old came to an abrupt halt when he saw a cyclist approaching, too traumatised to continue walking until it was all clear.

Visibly hurt, Kyle's mother, Kaslyn Tan, 25, told Lianhe Wanbao that her son has not healed from his injuries, and there are still traces of blood in his saliva.

Ms Tan said: "Many people think we are seeking the cyclist to get justice, but we just want to understand what exactly happened and have closure."

She later thanked NParks, the police, the media and Mr Victor Lye, the People's Action Party Candidate for Aljunied GRC for their attention to the matter.

Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRC Er Dr Lee Bee Wah also weighed in on the accident on Facebook yesterday. "What do you think can prevent such incidents from happening to other people? Would more separate paths, speed limits or number plates for bicycles help?" she asked.

The Lin family is currently on a three-day staycation at Hotel Michael at Resorts World Sentosa, which was planned before the accident, Lianhe Wanbao reported.

Kyle appeared to be his usual self again, watching a cartoon intently as he gobbled a cake in the hotel room.

Looking at his son enjoying himself, Mr Lim said: "It was distressing to see Kyle so affected by the accident.

"Tiring as it may be to take care of Kyle when he is active, nothing beats seeing Kyle return to his usual naughty self. It is very reassuring."

grongloh@sph.com.sg