SACA-SBS Transit Programme

SACA is happy to announce that it is working with SBS Transit in making the roads a safer place for cyclists and
SBST Bus Captains.

Very often, cyclists complain about close shave encounters with SBST Bus Captains. Likewise, SBST Bus Captains
have expressed their concerns about the practices of certain errant cyclists who flaunt the rules of the roads.

This webpage encourages constructive feedback from both SBST Bus Captains and cyclists of their encounters
with unsafe road practices. This will enable SBS Transit to take the necessary actions.

If you are a cyclist who rides on the road frequently (especially those of you who ride in a group), we highly
encourage you to read on and try to understand where the SBST Bus Captains have difficulty dealing with cyclists
in the locations set out below. We hope you will try to improve the situation by following good cycling etiquette
and make the roads a safer place for all road users.

If you are a foreign worker who uses a bicycle as a means of transport for work or otherwise, or an employer who
is aware that your foreign workers get around on a bicycle, please study the problem areas with "foreign workers"
and help to educate your workers about safe riding practices and the applicable bicycle rules in Singapore.

If you fall within the "residents", "parents ferrying children" or "elderly" categories, please take note of the problem
locations and try to observe the applicable bicycle rules in Singapore.

If we all do our part to change our bad driving or riding habits, we will be able to avoid any potential or real danger
to ourselves, the passengers in the bus, the other cyclists on the road and other road users.

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Feedback from SBS Transit and SBST Bus Captains

SOME FACTS ABOUT SBST BUS OPERATION

Ø The distance between bus stops is about 300 m to 400 m.

Ø As part of operational requirements, buses constantly slow down on approaching bus stops/junctions.

Ø Buses travel on the left most lanes in anticipation of boarding/alighting activities.

Ø Buses may call at bus stops, at the last minute, to pick up/alight passengers.

Ø Similar to cars, buses have blind spots and may not notice cyclists at certain proximity.

Ø As part of SBST’s service and safety standards, bus captains are required to stop the bus close to the kerb
for boarding and alighting activities.

GENERAL ADVICE TO CYCLISTS

1. When travelling on the road,

Ø Maintain visibility at all times.

Ø Cyclist should not keep pace with the bus between bus & kerb. They should always slow down and
maintain a safe following distance.

Ø Always signal your intention to the bus captain. E.g. overtaking, changing lanes, etc.

Ø Buses departing from bus stops may not see cyclists coming from behind to overtake.

Ø Abide by traffic rules and regulation.

Ø Do not ride across a pedestrian crossing.

Ø Slow down to allow overtaking buses to pass.

Ø Do not insist on the right of way.

2. When approaching a bus stop,

Ø Do not assume that Bus Captains can see you.

Ø Be careful of stopping buses.

Ø Be wary of exiting buses.

Ø Always stop when unsure.

PROBLEM LOCATIONS

GENERIC SPOTS WITH FREQUENT VIOLATIONS BY CYCLISTS

Purple Triangles = Cyclist

Arrows = Proper Flow of Traffic

Three Red Circles = Stop, Red on Traffic Light

Three Green Circles = Go, Green on Traffic Light

Scenaro (a) The Wrong Way : Cyclist cycles against the flow and crosses "T" junction without dismounting and regardless of light sequence The Right Way : If you wish to share the roads with your fellow motorists and be treated with equal respect, cycle with flow while keeping to extreme left and follow light sequence. If you wish to use pedestrian facilities e.g. crossing a pedestrian junction, dismount and cross like a pedestrian

Scenaro (b) The Wrong Way : Cyclist cycles against the flow and crosses "X" junction without dismounting and regardless of light sequence The Right Way : If you wish to share the roads with your fellow motorists and be treated with equal respect, cycle with flow while keeping to extreme left of the extreme left turning lane and follow light sequence. If you wish to use pedestrian facilities e.g. crossing a pedestrian junction, dismount and cross like a pedestrian

Scenaro (c) The Wrong Way : Cyclist rides from pavement onto zebra crossing without dismounting and regardless of approaching traffic The Right Way : A cyclist moves a lot faster on a bike than a pedestrian on foot. You should dismount and give the motorist enough time to see you in order to come to a halt. If you wish to use pedestrian facilities like the zebra crossing, dismount and cross like a pedestrian. If you wish to share the roads with your fellow motorists and be treated with equal respect, cycle to the next u-turn or turning junction.

Scenaro (d) The Wrong Way : Cyclist rides from pavement onto zebra crossing without dismounting and regardless of approaching traffic at slip roads The Right Way : As per scenario (c), you should dismount to give the motorist enough time to see you in order to come to a halt. If you wish to use pedestrian facilities like the zebra crossing, dismount and cross like a pedestrian. If you wish to share the roads with your fellow motorists and be treated with equal respect, observe the right way as per scenarios (a) and (b) above.

Scenaro (e) The Wrong Way : Cyclist going against red light and riding diagonally across "X" junction regardless of approaching traffic The Right Way : Observe the right way as per scenarios (a) and (b) above. If you wish to use pedestrian facilities, dismount and cross like a pedestrian.

Scenaro (f) The Wrong Way : Cyclist going against red light and riding diagonally across "T" junction regardless of approaching traffic The Right Way : Observe the right way as per scenarios (a) and (b) above. If you wish to use pedestrian facilities, dismount and cross like a pedestrian.

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Feedback from Cyclists

Currently, the highway code does not have comprehensive coverage on how to deal with cyclists on the road.
As such, other motorists (especially those who do not cycle) may not be able to judge how fast or slow the cyclist can go,
how difficult it is for cyclists to brake at high speed, how much safe-zone space on the left lane cyclists will need etc. Cyclists will just be treated like any other motorist.

As such, the purpose of this feedback session is to give constructive feedback to SBS Transit on any dangerous driving practices which could compromise the safety of law-abiding cyclists. You are welcome to give your feedback by
sending an email to legal@cycling.org.sg stating the following :-

Name of Cyclist : (pls indicate if you are the person making this report)
Nationality of Cyclist :
Date of Incident : (if ongoing issue, please specify dates)
Location of Incident : (please specify road and give other landmarks to help us better identify the location)
Why were you cycling : Commuter cyclist (e.g. cycling to work, cycling to the market, foreign worker etc.) /
Leisure cyclist (e.g. MTBiker riding to BT or East Coast Park) / Solo Road Biker (e.g. training for a race and at a fast speed) / Group Road Biker (e.g. riding with the Thomson group)
SBSTransit No : (e.g. Bus No 75 travelling from XX to XX)
SBSTransit Vehicle No : (if you are able to take down the vehicle no)
What happened : (please give an accurate account and if you have an eye-witness, please provide details of this person(s))

We will deliver your report to SBS Transit and keep you updated on their response. We will also post any problem locations
on this website so that other cyclists will be aware of these locations and take extra precaution when approaching
and riding at these locations. Hopefully, we will be able to work with SBS Transit to improve the riding conditions at these locations.

Or if you have any constructive feedback to give to make the roads safer for both cyclists and SBST Bus Captains, please write to us (but don't forget to provide your name and contact number / email).

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