Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) said on Sunday that a new programme will be launched to educate cyclists and users of personal mobility devices on safe riding practices by July 2017. The Safe Riding Programme will take participants through the new code of conduct under the Active Mobility Act that was passed in Parliament last month. The act sets out rules for cycling on paths and on the roads and penalties for riding recklessly. It also sets out where personal mobility devices can be used.
The programme will include a practical component carried out in a training circuit, which simulates various scenarios that cyclists and riders may encounter when using public paths. LTA said there are straight and S-line courses "to help participants build up their skills and confidence in handling their devices at various speeds and situations."
The participants will also be taught safe riding practices like riding at low speeds, giving way to pedestrians at bus stops and zebra crossings as well as learning how to respond when encountering blind spots.
The authorities said the programme will be available at selected community centres, schools and migrant worker dormitories. It will be fully subsidised and in order to encourage the public to sign up, it will be free of cost for a start.
LTA added that it will be calling a tender in coming weeks to appoint training providers to develop a pool of trainers to conduct the Safe Riding Programme.
Since last May, LTA and the Singapore Road Safety Council have already conducted pilot sessions to cyclists. The sessions involved almost hundred participants including students and migrant workers. However, the upcoming Safe Riding Programme will be expanded to cater to users of personal mobility devices and power-assisted bicycles as well.
According to feedback that has been received, the original half-day programme has also been condensed into a 90-minute session, including the circuit training. LTA also added that the theory modules have been made available on its website "for easy access".
