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Ring, ring, here comes the MP with a message

How to keep safe when residents, cyclists, share the footpaths

MP Saktiandi Supaat led the way when he went on a Sunday morning cycling with his team of grassroots leaders to promote safe sharing of footpaths in Bishan Toa Payoh-East Novena (TEN) on 20 April 2016. This project is one of the initiatives by the Land Transport Authority and the People’s Association to promote Active Mobility Patrol (AMP) Scheme.

With the increasing popularity of bicycles and motorised mobility devices, there was an urgent need to educate all cyclists and users of personal mobility devices (PMDs) on responsible and gracious behaviour on paths and roads. Mr Saktiandi said, “We hope this would create a safe environment for residents when they are using the foot- paths.”

The aim of the AMP scheme titled “Gracious Living — Cycling Responsibly” is to minimise possible incidents arising from reckless behaviour of cyclists and users of PMDs. During the launch, residents were invited to sign up to pledge their commitment to be safe riders and to practice the seven safety riding habits. It includes giving way to pedestrian, keeping left on path, and switching on lights when it is dark. There was also a Safe Rider Cycling Try-out, where residents could test their safe riding skills conducted by the LTA’s Safe Riding Clinic.

For the residents, it was certainly a delightful treat to see Mr Saktiandi with his cycle helmet gamely making his rounds in the ward with grassroots activists in tow. The MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, who is also the vice—chair— man of the Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council, displayed good cycling practice by energetically waving his hand to signal to other road users as he slowed down at the approaching road junction.

At strategic junctions the team stopped and handed out safe cycling leaflets to passing cyclists. The PA Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers, grassroots volunteers and other community partners will continue to carry out their ground patrols to promote the safe cycling habit and what is responsible and gracious behaviour on paths and roads.

– This article first appeared in a newsletter for Bishan-Toa Payoh residents