1. Guiding Principles and Purpose
1.1 Rules and norms shall prioritise the safety of more vulnerable users.
1.2 Rules shall be simple and clear, enabling the general public to easily understand and remember them.
1.3 These guidelines are intended to serve a broad range of users — including pedestrians (walkers and joggers), riders of personal mobility devices (PMDs) of varying speeds, cyclists, and others — who share common spaces such as park connectors and pavements.
2. Three-Level Code Structure
2.1 Top Level – Essential Rules for Safety
Must be observed at all times for the protection of others.
Strict liability applies: in any accident involving a cyclist and a pedestrian, the cyclist bears the responsibility to prove that due care was exercised.
2.2 Second Level – Norms for Harmony
Recommended practices that promote courteous and safe coexistence among all path users.
2.3 Third Level – Optional Tips
Voluntary good practices for users’ personal safety and awareness.
3. Top-Level Code: Rules for Safety
(These must be strictly followed and may be subject to legal enforcement.)
3.1 Riders of bicycles and PMDs shall slow down and give way to pedestrians on all paths.
3.2 Users shall always be ready to stop safely, particularly when approaching:
- Potential conflict areas (e.g., bus stops, car park entrances, or high pedestrian-traffic zones).
- Blind spots (e.g., bends, corners, or areas where vision is obstructed by vegetation or structures).
3.3 Overtaking shall only be carried out when it is clearly safe to do so, maintaining a minimum distance of at least one (1) metre from pedestrians.
4. Second-Level Code: Norms for Harmony
(These should be followed as far as practicable to foster safety and mutual respect.)
4.1 Keep to the left unless overtaking.
4.2 Overtake on the right only when it is safe to do so.
4.3 Use designated paths whenever possible (e.g., footpaths for walking, cycling paths for cycling).
5. Third-Level Code: Optional Tips for Personal Safety
(These are recommended practices that enhance individual safety and promote consideration for others.)
5.1 Ensure the bicycle or PMD is in good working condition, particularly the brakes and tyres.
5.2 Switch on lights bright enough to make one visible to others.
5.3 Use appropriate protective gear, such as gloves, elbow and knee guards, and a helmet.
5.4 Reserve the use of the bell for:
- Warning others when approaching blind spots; or
- Alerting others when the bicycle brake suddenly fails or becomes difficult to control.
5.5 When alerting pedestrians: - Ring once or twice at least 3–5 seconds in advance;
- Wait for acknowledgement;
- If there is no response, assume the pedestrians cannot hear, slow down to walking speed, and follow behind until it is safe to overtake.
5.6 Avoid startling or alarming others by passing too closely or without prior notice.
What do you think of this proposal? Would it simplify the rules and enhance the safety for everyone sharing the paths? Please share your view in the comment below.