Always give way to pedestrians; slow down and be prepared to stop when approaching bus stops or where there is a lot of people; and keep left unless overtaking. The 21-point code of conduct for cyclists and users of personal mobility devices (PMDs) proposed by the Active Mobility Advisory Panel puts the safety of pedestrians front and centre, even as it recommended that these modes of transport be allowed on footpaths, reported The Straits Times.

The panel said the code is a list of good etiquette or best practices that includes stopping to give assistance and exchange particulars after an accident, and dismounting in areas with many pedestrians. It accompanies hard rules that include speed limits - 15km/h on footpaths and 25km/h on cycling and shared paths - and having front and rear lights when riding in the dark. The rules govern riders and PMD users of all ages.

The panel also suggested that cycling two abreast be allowed only on roads with two lanes or more in a single direction, except those with bus lanes during bus lane hours. The recommendations were submitted to the Transport Ministry yesterday, and are being studied.

Land Transport Authority Chief Executive Chew Men Leong said the new rules and code of conduct would help make cycling education efforts consistent. "Previously, we were not totally certain of the rules and code of conduct that would apply. This will form a baseline with which we can go out with our education effort and programmes."