I REFER to last Tuesday's report, 'Students point the way to safe cycling'.

It mentioned that some cyclists were 'surprised to find they were not supposed to ride across pedestrian crossings'. They think they have the right of way and so dash across, posing a danger to themselves and every other road user. Not only do they not know this, but many cyclists are also completely unaware of road rules.

I have had two nasty encounters with cyclists at pedestrian crossings. On one occasion, I was driving towards a junction when I reached the pedestrian crossing at the same time as a cyclist who was riding against the flow of traffic. The female cyclist, who was on the left of my car, started shouting and pounding on the back of my car.

Another time, I was approaching a pedestrian crossing and finding it clear, was about to pass, when a male cyclist suddenly turned off the footpath and cut in front of me. I jammed my brakes and had to swerve to avoid hitting him.

In both situations, I have been assured by police I was not in the wrong. The problem is that many cyclists have no knowledge of the road rules they are supposed to follow. Perhaps a nationwide campaign can be launched to teach cyclists (both Singaporeans and foreign workers) road rules to prevent further accidents.

Nicola Wong (Ms)

For more The Straits Times stories, click here.