Active Mobility Bill passed - Focuses on safety of pedestrians

The safety of pedestrians took centre stage in Parliament yesterday as 13 members questioned how this will be guaranteed, with a new law allowing the use of bicycles and Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) on public paths.

The Active Mobility Bill, which regulates the use of bicycles and PMDs such as e-scooters, was passed yesterday after a debate that lasted 2.5 hours. MPs gave a range of suggestions to boost safety such as mandating third-party insurance, and getting cyclists and PMD users to wear helmets and attend safety courses.

Mr. Sitoh Yih Pin (Potong Pasir) told the House that as the use of PMDs proliferate, pathways would get more crowded and 'more accidents involving PMDs are bound to happen'.

Mr. Sitoh, Ms. Joan Pereira (Tanjong Pagar GRC) and Mr. Zainal Sapari (Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC) were among MPs who suggested mandating third-party insurance to cover accident claims from victims. Currently, victims have to file a civil suit in order to claim compensation in the event of an accident. The courts can also decide if compensation should be paid if the offender is convicted.

In response, Senior Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo said cyclists and PMD users span a broad demographic, and many of them use these modes as an 'affordable means of getting around'. Mandating insurance would come at some cost to them.

"Cities with a strong culture of active mobility such as Amsterdam and Copenhagen likewise do not mandate insurance, but instead focus on cultivating safe and responsible behaviours," she said. Other MPs asked how enforcement efforts would ensure the safe use of bicycles and PMDs.

Non-Constituency MP Dennis Tan said people need to understand the importance of riding safely and being considerate. "It will be down to the consistent enforcement efforts of the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to make the new regulations work."