Road cycling rules: tips for riding on the roads
Discover some important rules & safety tips to make your cycling experience in Singapore enjoyable and worry-free!
As roads and bicycle paths continue welcoming waves of people enjoying this sport, here are some rules to adhere to when riding your bike on the roads in Singapore. Nothing's better than a safe and pleasant ride!
1. Wear a helmet when cycling on roads
It is mandatory in Singapore for cyclists to wear a helmet when cycling on the roads. Regardless, a helmet is always recommended even when riding on pavements or park connectors.
A study commissioned by the US National Transportation Safety Board found that wearing a helmet while cycling reduces the likelihood of all head injuries by 48% and serious head injuries by 60% †.
This is why we think it's a no-brainer (pun intended) to always wear a helmet while cycling!
† https://www.ntsb.gov/news/events/Documents/2019-DCA18SS002-BMG-4-MitigatingHeadInjury.pdf
2. Switch on lights in the dark
By law, cyclists are required to turn on their lights during hours of darkness. While a white lamp for the front is mandatory, a red reflector may be used for the rear as a minimum requirement.
However, we highly recommend a red rear light for added safety.
3. Do not use your mobile while riding
Just like motor vehicles, cyclists are not allowed to use a mobile phone or tablet while riding.
You may mount a phone on the handlebars for easy access when off the bike or when stationary, but the law forbids you from actually using the phone while cycling.
DISCLAIMER: Traffic rules may be updated by the authorities from time to time. This article serves as a guideline and should not be taken as a substitute for the rules & bylaws that can be found on the Land Transport Authority (LTA) & Singapore Police Force's respective websites.
4. Do not cycle on expressways and in road tunnels
This rule is specific to cyclists and power-assisted bicycles. In a statement given by the Singapore Police Force on October 2020, they reiterated this rule and urged cyclists not to ride on expressways due to the much higher motor vehicle speeds.
For your convenience, we have compiled a list of expressways and road tunnels in Singapore (as of July 2021) provided by the LTA:
Expressways
Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE)
Bukit Timah Expressway (BKE)
Central Expressway (CTE)
East Coast Parkway (ECP)
Kallang- Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE)
Kranji Expressway (KJE)
Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE)
North-South Corridor (NSC) [to be completed in 2023]
Pan Island Expressway (PIE)
Seletar Expressway (SLE)
Tampines Expressway (TPE)
Road Tunnels
Fort Canning Tunnel (FCT)
Sentosa Gateway Tunnel (SGT)
Woodsville Tunnel (WVT)
5. Obey all traffic signals
It may be tempting to think that not all road rules apply to cyclists, but that is simply not true. As a road user, you need to respect all traffic lights and road signage such as stop signs and pedestrian crossing signs.
In the rare event of an unmarked, unsignalled intersection, always give way to traffic coming from your right.
6. Travel in the same direction as the flow of traffic
When cycling on the roads, it is mandatory to ride in the direction of the traffic flow. This not only facilitates a smooth flow of traffic, but also avoids clashing between cyclists travelling in different directions, and colliding with pedestrians crossing the road.
For the sake of all road users, it's better to take a slightly longer route if you have to, than to ride against traffic.
7. Cycle in a single file on single-lane roads and during bus lane operational hours
While riding beside another cyclist is allowed in Singapore, cyclists riding on the road are required to ride in a single file on single-lane roads.
This applies the same if you are cycling in the bus lane during bus lane operation hours.
This enables other road users like cars, buses and motorbikes to safely overtake while giving ample space to the cyclist.
To sum it up
We hope the pointers above helped to make clearer the rules concerning cycling on the roads. Following them will ensure not only your own safety, but the safety and convenience of other road users as well.
So go on, take to the roads on your bike and enjoy the ride!
