Most cycling groups are safe but there are 'black sheep', riders say after recent accident

SINGAPORE: Cycling in big groups can be safe if they are disciplined and abide by the rules, experienced riders said after an accident involving two cyclists landed one in hospital.

Cyclists on roads in Singapore have to keep to groups of no more than five bicycles in length. They have to ride in single file on single-lane roads and in bus lanes during the stipulated hours. On roads with two or more lanes, they can cycle two abreast, in groups of up to 10.

Those who violate the rules can be fined S$150 (US$110). Groups are advised to keep two lamp-posts, or about 30m, apart from each other.

On Sunday (Apr 16), a cyclist was injured in an accident along Upper Thomson Road. Ms Serlina Eng, who identified herself as the injured cyclist’s wife, wrote on Facebook that a "peloton of crazy cyclists" caused the accident.

In the video she posted, another group of cyclists is seen emerging and cycling very close to Ms Eng’s group, some riding three or four in a row as they pass. Shortly after, Ms Eng’s husband Mr Andy Oh falls onto the road.

Mr Adrian Yeo, founder of Beyond Personal Record Cycling Club, said best practices for overtaking include giving advance warning to the group ahead and not going too near to other cyclists when passing by.

Mr Tan Liang Cheng of cycling club TFR said there was an "error of judgment" and the cyclists who were overtaking looked like their intention was to "test themselves against each other".

"That adrenaline causing a disregard for safety … shouldn’t have happened, they should have rendered assistance," he said.

In Ms Eng’s post, she said the cyclists rode off after the accident but contacted her after seeing her friend’s Facebook post.

Local cycling groups told CNA that they regularly organise rides for