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PMD Ban on footpath/s effective from 5th November 2019.
PMD Ban on footpath/s effective from 5th November 2019.
Here we are again with another news on PMDs (Personal Mobility Device). We are sure that you must have heard of the news regarding the ban of PMD on footpath/s. If you have but do not have a real grasp of the situation, let us just fill you in.
“From Tuesday, 5 November 2019, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will prohibit the riding of electric scooters (e-scooters) on all footpaths. Henceforth, e-scooters can only be ridden on cycling paths and Park Connector Networks (PCNs). The current policy of disallowing personal mobility devices (PMDs) on roads remains.” as excerpt from lta.gov.sg, 4 November 2019.
As stated,
PMDs are no longer allowed on ANY footpath/s even if you do follow the previous regulation of 10km/h on footpath/s. This rule is no longer in effect as LTA has issued the ban of PMD on footpath/s.
Warnings will be issued to users that continue to use PMDs on footpath/s until 31st December 2019. This “advisory period” has been given for PMD riders to adjust to the new ban. Starting from today, it will be approximately about 2-months’ time for you guys to get used to the new ban. 1st January 2020 onwards, PMD users that insist on riding on footpath/s still, will face serious punishments of either a fine of $2000 or/and imprisonment up-to 3-months’ time.
In regards to the new ban, LTA has stated that there will be an expansion on of PCNs (Park Connector Network), cycling paths, and shared paths by 2025, which has been pushed forward from their original plan of 2030. Currently, there is a number of cycling paths, shared paths, and PCNs available in certain district for you to ride your PMDs. PMD riders can use MyTransport.SG app to navigate cycling paths, shared paths, and PCNs.
Singapore to be a Car-lite Country
We urge all citizens of Singapore to bear in mind that Singapore has always aimed to be a car-lite country, which means; reduce the number of cars by substituting the usage of cars with public transport, bicycles, PMD (personal mobility devices), or even walking. Going car-lite can help in being more environmentally friendly; a healthier lifestyle -physical activity: walking, cycling and just moving in general.
If you are worried that there will be a total ban of PMD, we will do our best to placate your worries. As we have mentioned above, Singapore is on its path to being a car-lite country. The main three public transport are buses, MRT, and taxis. Just ask anyone and they will say they get around Singapore by BMW -bus, MRT, walk. Generally speaking, Singapore is one of the most accessible country by public transport. Do bear in mind that even though it is easily accessible, not everywhere is accessible by public transport.
One might say, “Why not just call a taxi?” the fare is not cheap for daily use. “Why not walk?” let’s just say it’s a 10-15minutes walk and you have loads to carry, is walking really ideal? “Why not just get a bicycle?” are you really in the mood to cycle after a tiring day? I know, these might sound like excuses, not everyone has what it takes to cycle, just think of some of the elderlies or people with legs’ issues. PMD has ease them in their daily travels, it helps them to get around faster and less energy is exerted.
PMD is non-pollutive, inexpensive compared to any motorized vehicles, it is also convenient as it can travel to the nooks and cranny of Singapore. Well, at least it used to be before the ban. PMD helps a lot of Singapore citizens in lowering the costs of transport fees. Owning a PMD is a one-time payment, all you will have to do is charge it. You will not even have to make trips to bus stops to get to places. Imagine having kids, sending them to school and back, the number of trips you will have to make. The transport fees, the time wasted. PMD can not only cut down the time spent by half; you are also not spending any money at all.
In conclusion, have faith that PMD will continue to operate in Singapore as it is a way of life for some. By practicing good ethics and following all the rules implemented by LTA, we can show them that PMD riders are well-educated citizens that abide by the rules.
Thoughts on this ban?
Though we cannot say that we are surprised as an increase of accidents have occurred in these past years but the sudden ban is rather uncalled for and alarming for PMD riders. Imagine being banned from the routes you always take to work; no longer being able to ferry your kids to school in the morning. What use is a PMD if you cannot ride it to the nearest MRT station?
Here is a short and simplified list that we have compiled for why people use PMD:
- Work; getting to work or using PMD for work
- Parents/Guardians ferrying their kids
- Cheapest alternative of motorized vehicles
- Convenient to get to places
There are more reasons to why people use PMD as a mode of transport but these are the ones we see most.
What are our thoughts on this ban? On one hand you can say that the government is looking out for the pedestrians, on another, this can be said to be the first step to getting rid of PMD permanently. Let’s not jump into conclusion first. It is great that pedestrians can walk worry-free; the risk of PMD running into them has reduced significantly. Though by doing this, there should have been more paths readied for PMD riders.
Honestly speaking, this ban is a wee bit too early to be implemented. Designated paths for PMD riders or cyclists should have been in place before this ban. There are hardly enough designated paths for riders; none that are fully connected throughout the whole of Singapore.
Promoting the car-lite lifestyle but not providing the means for us to go car-lite is a bit contradicting, no? Do note that this is all coming from a critical, neutral point of view. Technically speaking, with the introduction of PMD, Singapore is already well on its way to being car-lite. It provides more freedom compared to going around by public transports. Compared to a bicycle, you can get to your destination so much faster and with lesser effort as mentioned previously.
Time has changed, saying that people were doing good before PMDs is like saying people were doing good without smartphones before this. “Why is it so hard to just go back to using bicycles?” “Why not just cycle like people used to do before this?” These questions do not help with the current situations. What should be done now is have more paths ready for PMD riders.
Have faith that the situation will get better, more designated paths will be readied for us soon. Let us all do our best with this current ban.
Do refer to the links provided below for references:
