Forum: Act on hazards for cyclists arising from T5 construction work
I refer to the article 'PM Wong breaks ground on Changi Airport T5; all SIA, Scoot flights to move there when it opens' (May 14).
While I wholeheartedly support the expansion of Singapore's airport, the increased construction activity along Tanah Merah Coast Road has dramatically raised the risk of accidents for those of us using the dedicated cycling lane there.
For cyclists who use Tanah Merah Coast Road regularly, the recent rise in the number of heavy vehicles accessing construction sites is worrying.
Heavily laden trucks that transport building materials often push the speed limits to meet their schedules. In doing so, debris is scattered along the road, posing a danger to all traffic. Unfortunately, this debris – sand, gravel, crushed stone, wooden planks, chunks of metal – quickly finds its way into the narrow confines of the cycling lane, creating especially hazardous conditions.
Recently, I was thrown off my bike when I hit a rock the size of my fist, resulting in a very painful fractured pelvis.
As there are more heavy vehicles using Tanah Merah Coast Road, there have also been more drivers stopping illegally on the cycling lane. Many are waiting their turn to enter the construction sites, despite large signs forbidding them from doing so. Infuriatingly, the drivers often use this downtime to clean their vehicles, hammering hardened cement from the chassis, or chunks of mud from the wheels, further adding to the debris hazard.
The authorities need to act quickly to help reduce the number of accidents and injuries. Enforcement efforts are needed to deter heavy goods vehicles from speeding or stopping in the cycling lane, and road-sweeping machines used to maintain the lanes should be employed more frequently in tandem with the increase in construction activity.
I sincerely hope the relevant agencies will make a concerted effort to improve conditions and prevent accidents.
Michael Price
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