In Singapore, interesting islandwide cycling routes provide the ultimate weekend escape. With new bike-sharing operators coming into the picture, one can just hop on a bicycle conveniently to explore our city in a garden! Are you a cyclist in Singapore? Whether you are riding your own bike or a shared bike, test your knowledge with these most commonly asked questions and see if you can answer them!
1. Are bicycles allowed on roads?
Yes. Bicycles are allowed on roads. Cyclists have to obey the same rules as other road users — drivers and motorcyclists — do when on the road. Refer to the Road Traffic Act for more information.
2. Are bicycles allowed on highways in Singapore?
No. Bicycles are not allowed on highways in Singapore. It’s illegal to cycle on highways in Singapore because vehicles drive at higher speeds than on normal roads. Those cycling on expressways may be charged under Section 279 of the Penal Code for driving in a rash manner, which endangers human life or causes hurt or injury to any other person.
3. Are bicycles allowed on pavements in Singapore?
Yes, bicycles are allowed on pavements in Singapore but there is a maximum capped speed of 10km/h when one is on a public footpath.
4. Does bicycle insurance covers theft?
Bicycle insurance, commonly termed as Personal Mobility Insurance, is offered by selected insurance companies in Singapore. The ePROTECT personal mobility insurance, available forpurchase at Tiq, does cover your bicycle if it gets stolen from your home.
Source: Giphy
You may want to read this: Are You Looking For Insurance Coverage For Your PMD And Bicycle? Then You Need To Start Here.
5. Are bicycles allowed on trains?
Currently, foldable bicycles are only allowed on buses and trains during off peak hours, and only smaller ones of up to 114cm x 64cm x 36cm are permitted. Find out more at LTA.
6. Does bicycle weight matters?
Putting aside performance factors, your bicycle must not exceed 20kg and the maximum width of 70cm.
7. Is it mandatory to wear a bicycle helmet?
While there is no law that mandates one to wear a bicycle helmet (at the moment), it is advisable to do so for safety purposes.
8. Is a bicycle considered a PMD?
No, a bicycle is considered to be in its own category. A PMD refers to a personal mobility device such as kick-scooters, electric scooters, hoverboards, unicycles etc.
Fun facts about the bicycle evolution
Source: GIPHY
“What goes around comes around.” This aptly describes the evolution of bicycles from its ambiguous origins in the early 19th century to its peak during the turn of 20th century! Interestingly, the first commercially sold bicycle in 1868 was called “Boneshaker” by the French, and it weighed 80 kg! While it is believed that bicycles are more efficient in transforming energy to travel than cars, trains, airplanes, boats, and motorcycle, cycling actually declined in progressive cities with the invention of motor vehicles!
Nevertheless, we see the comeback of bicycles in the form of shared resources in recent years. Bike-sharing companies such as SG Bike, Anywheel and Moov Technology promote alternative cost-effective transport solutions, greater convenience and environmental sustainability.
Personal bike vs the bike-sharing system
Are you pondering over the pros and cons of getting your own bicycle or supporting the bike-sharing system? Check out the following comparison chart for some food for thought.
| Factors | Bike-Sharing System | Personal Bike |
| Price | Great savings for the short term > E.g. 30-day pass of SG Bike at S$11.90 x 12 = S$142.80 p.a. | Better savings for the long term but note depreciation value > E.g. Foldable bikes from S$80 |
| Comfort | Subjects to standard design of shared bikes where durability takes priority over comfort | Definitely more comfortable as it is customised to personal preference |
| Convenience | Ride and park anywhere (at designated spots) and ideal for filling the last-mile gap | Ideal for filling the last-mile gap |
| Availability | Depends on location, as many shared bikes are often faulty | Don’t need to worry about whether you will find a working bike |
| Performance / Safety | Limited choice | The sky’s the limit; ideal for serious cyclists |
| Maintenance / storage | N.A. | Need to find space to store, and take caution against thefts |
Regardless of whether you are riding a personal bike or shared bike, Tiq Personal Mobility Insurance allows you to hit the streets with an inner peace. Find out more here.
Cycling safety tips
As the number of cyclists increase in our neighbourhoods, beyond gardens and parks, it is important to practise due diligence for the safety of others and ourselves. Stay alert and be mindful of the following to avoid unnecessary accidents and losses.
- Wear a bright-coloured helmet that is snug and with air vents
- Choose the right bicycle frame to ensure that you can mount and dismount safely
- Bright apparels to stay visible (especially at night!)
- Make sure your bicycle has a bell attached to it, so that you can alert others of your presence
- Mirrors are actually quite important to help you see what’s going on around you, some can be attached to the helmet
- As per the Road Traffic Act, it is mandatory to have a white light at the front of the bicycle and a red light or red reflector at the rear in times of low visibility*
- Stay alert at all times and do not use your phone when you are cycling
- Insure yourself and your mobility device with Tiq Personal Mobility Insurance
For more information on cycling safe in Singapore, please click here.
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Information is accurate as at 22 October 2019. This policy is underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Company Reg. No. 201331905K). Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.
You should seek advice from a qualified adviser before deciding to purchase the policy. If you choose not to seek advice, you should consider if the policy is suitable for you. It is usually detrimental to replace an existing personal accident plan with a new one. A penalty may be imposed for early termination and the new plan may cost more or have less benefit at the same cost.
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