Cyclists face fines, jail for riding on pedestrian-only paths as enforcement begins on July 1
Cyclists face fines, jail for riding on pedestrian-only paths as enforcement begins on July 1
SINGAPORE – From July 1, cyclists and users of non-motorised personal mobility devices (PMDs) such as kick scooters can be penalised for riding on designated pedestrian-only footpaths located in towns across Singapore.
Only pedestrians and users of personal mobility aids (PMAs), such as electric wheelchairs, are allowed on pedestrian-only paths, which have the words 'pedestrian only' and a logo of a pedestrian painted on them.
PMAs must observe a speed limit of 6kmh by the first quarter of 2026, down from 10kmh .
Bicycles and non-motorised PMDs remain permitted on other footpaths.
More than 200km of footpaths next to cycling lanes have been turned into pedestrian-only paths since the Land Transport Authority (LTA) announced this initiative in August 2024.
These paths are found in towns including Tampines, Punggol, Sengkang, Yishun and Clementi. Toa Payoh was the first town to get these paths in January 2025.
LTA said then that it would enforce the proper use of pedestrian-only and cycling paths from July 1, 2025, to give people time to adjust to the move, which it introduced 'for the safety of more vulnerable pedestrians such as seniors and children'.
Bicycles, electric bicycles, motorised and non-motorised PMDs, as well as PMAs will continue to be allowed on cycling paths.
First-time offenders convicted of riding on a pedestrian-only path could be fined up to $2,000 or jailed for three months, or both.
LTA said its active mobility enforcement officers (AMEOs) will adopt 'a measured and considered approach' when determining whether an offence has been committed.
'There remains zero tolerance towards those who speed or ride in a rash and reckless manner on paths,' it added.
Pedestrians who stray into cycling paths will not face these penalties, though they should keep to the pedestrian-only path for their own safety, LTA said.
Those moving at a higher speed on cycling paths should also look out for pedestrians and more vulnerable users, it added.
LTA said pedestrian-only paths will be implemented 'where space allows', but where there are space constraints, the 'gracious sharing of spaces will continue to be important'.
AMEOs have been educating cyclists and non-motorised PMD users on using the correct path since August 2024, while LTA has also worked with schools to educate students on the new rules.
The authority said path accidents have been on a 'general decline' since 2019, though 'more can be done to ensure safety for all path users, especially our seniors and young children'. There were 104 path accidents in 2024, down from 303 incidents in 2019.
Vanessa Paige Chelvan is a correspondent at The Straits Times. She writes about all things transport and pens the occasional commentary.
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