Over 25 cyclists caught flouting group riding rules

They were caught along Clementi Road and West Coast Highway during latest operations

- Esther Loi, Whitney William and Therese Soh

More than 25 cyclists were caught on the morning of May 25 for riding in groups that were larger than permitted.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said on Facebook later in the day that the cyclists were caught along Clementi Road and West Coast Highway in its latest round of operations with the Traffic Police (TP) against errant cyclists.

Current restrictions, which took effect in January 2022, limit cyclists riding in groups to five if cycling in a single file, or 10 cyclists riding two abreast. There is also a need to maintain a minimum distance of 30m the equivalent of two lamp posts between cyclist groups.

In a similar joint enforcement operation by LTA and the TP from the end of April to early May 2024, 16 cyclists were caught for riding in a group larger than 10. Six others were found with non-compliant manual bicycles without a functioning handbrake. 

These operations took place in Dunearn Road and Pasir Panjang Road as well as the Woodlands Waterfront area.

Cyclists who flout the rule on group size can be fined $150.

Seasoned group cyclists told The Sunday Times that they try their best to follow the rules, although they do not fully understand the rationale behind group cycling restrictions.

On Jan 1, 2022, the Ministry of Transport (MOT) rolled out recommendations by the Active Mobility Advisory Panel (Amap) to place a cap on cyclist groups, as it will ensure that the space they occupy is similar to that of a bus.

For the group size limit, Amap had said bigger cyclist group sizes increased the difficulty in maintaining orderly and predictable conduct among members, which could increase the risks for riders themselves. It added that the gap between cyclist groups would leave enough space for overtaking vehicles.