Mandatory registration and third-party liability insurance for bicycles and other personal mobility devices (PMDs) would be too burdensome and costly for users, according to Singapore’s senior minister of state for transport, Josephine Teo.
“Only power-assisted bicycles, which travel on roads and are typically prone to modification, warrant registration,” said Teo in Parliament. She cited the examples of Amsterdam and Copenhagen, which have a culture of active mobility, but have no mandatory registration and insurance.
“Like in those cities, pedestrians injured in accidents in Singapore can obtain compensation by initiating civil lawsuits or through private settlements. If the offender is prosecuted and convicted in criminal court, the court will consider if compensation to the victim should be paid,” she said.
According to Teo, there were 12 on-road accidents involving pedestrians and bicycles/PMDs in the past year. Several members of Parliament, including non-constituency MP Dennis Tan, have asked whether there are any measures to further lessen the frequency of these accidents.
Teo replied that accident prevention measures have been suggested, such as speed limits of 15kph on footpaths and 25kph on cycling paths and increasing law enforcement efforts, with more than 700 cyclists and PMD users having been issued warnings for reckless behavior since May.
Related stories:
NTUC Income introduces usage-based motor insurance policies
MSIG wins award; launches motor claims campaign
Self-driving cars could cause insurance cost downshift
