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By Suresh Menon
SINGAPORE - Mr Mohamed Salim Mohd Amin recounted his son's painful experience with a motorist in a road collision ("Effective penalties needed against motorists colliding with cyclists"; Forum Online, Wednesday).
When I decided to take up cycling two months ago, I was apprehensive, imagining that there would be bullying by motorists and other road users against cyclists on the road.
But my experience thus far, often at peak hours, has shown me that most motorists are very mindful of cyclists, and the courtesy is repaid by the cyclists, who thank them for slowing down and giving way.
Cyclists who obey the traffic rules help greatly in making the sharing of the roads a pleasant and practical experience.
I am especially gratified by the wide berth bus drivers offer me as a cyclist, along with a smile and a friendly wave to indicate that I can cycle on ahead in safety.
I thank SBS Transit for educating its drivers on road courtesy, which also includes safe road practices, towards cyclists.
On the other hand, cyclists who ride in groups should be considerate when they use the roads and parks' cycling lanes.
I was cycling at East Coast Park when I came across a group of three cyclists riding abreast, chatting while they cycled, oblivious to the fact that they were blocking others.
Consideration and discipline on the road require the concerted efforts of all users.
Notwithstanding the above, I agree fully with Mr Mohamed Salim that cyclists who observe road rules must be protected and errant motorists who collide with cyclists must be penalised punitively.
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