Cyclists Urge for Greater Road Safety as Accidents Surge to Four-Year High

Singapore, Singapore Aug 23, 2026 ALN: It was a clear afternoon on March 26, 2022, when educator Joseph Lee, 49, was cycling along Senja Road, off Woodlands Road. He was wearing a bright red T-shirt and helmet. But as he turned at the junction with Senja Way, a taxi in a right-turn-only lane illegally drove straight, side-swiping him.

Lee was flung off his bike and the impact from landing fractured his collarbone in two places. The cabby’s insurer later accepted full liability and paid damages. Yet for Lee, the months of painful recovery and dependency on others for basic tasks like bathing and eating were very frustrating. He said: “There are cyclists who break the rules, doing things like running red lights and nothing happens to them. But I did everything I was supposed to do. Yet, I was the one suffering.”

With Singapore’s roads becoming more dangerous in recent years, cyclists have become increasingly at risk. Accidents involving cyclists hit a four-year high in 2025, with a total of 772 accidents, of which 17 were fatal. There were 620 accidents involving cyclists in 2024 and 581 in 2023. The rising trend of cycling accidents has raised concerns among safety advocates and the general public alike, prompting calls for immediate action and systemic change.

The police reported that more than half of the accidents were due to cycling in a disorderly manner and failing to keep a proper lookout. This statistic highlights the importance of awareness and adherence to traffic regulations among cyclists. However, it also raises questions about the broader infrastructure and safety measures in place for cyclists, particularly in urban areas where traffic can be congested and unpredictable.

Blame Game

During the debate on the Ministry of Home Affairs’ report, many cyclists expressed frustration over the blame game that often ensues after accidents. Cyclists and motorists alike have been known to point fingers at each other, creating a toxic environment that hinders progress towards safer roads. This blame game can lead to a lack of accountability and a failure to address the root causes of accidents.

Some cyclists try to justify breaking rules, claiming that the infrastructure is inadequate or that they are forced to take risks to navigate busy streets. They argue that the existing cycling paths are often poorly designed or non-existent in critical areas, compelling them to ride on roads that are not safe for cycling. However, community leaders urge adherence to laws to ensure safety for all. They emphasize that while infrastructure improvements are necessary, individual responsibility and respect for traffic laws are equally important in preventing accidents.

Call for Mutual Respect

Cyclists are calling for a mindset shift from entitlement to empathy, stressing the importance of mutual respect and prioritizing others' safety on the roads. They believe that fostering a culture of understanding can significantly reduce accidents. “We need to recognize that we all share the road,” said a local cycling advocate. “It’s not just about us; it’s about everyone’s safety.”

This call for mutual respect is not only directed towards cyclists but also extends to motorists and pedestrians. Each group plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe environment for all road users. Advocates argue that education campaigns aimed at promoting understanding and cooperation among all parties can lead to a significant reduction in accidents.

As the number of cycling accidents continues to rise, the call for greater awareness and responsibility among all road users becomes increasingly urgent. The community hopes that through education and advocacy, they can create a safer environment for everyone. This includes not only cyclists and motorists but also pedestrians, who are often overlooked in discussions about road safety.

In recent years, Singapore has made strides in improving its cycling infrastructure, with the government investing in dedicated cycling paths and safety measures. However, the increasing number of accidents suggests that more needs to be done. The government’s efforts must be complemented by a cultural shift in how all road users perceive and interact with one another.

Furthermore, the rise in cycling accidents coincides with a growing trend of cycling as a mode of transport in Singapore, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many individuals have taken up cycling as a way to avoid crowded public transport and maintain social distancing. This surge in cyclists on the road underscores the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and public awareness campaigns.

In conclusion, the alarming rise in cycling accidents in Singapore serves as a wake-up call for all road users. It highlights the necessity for a collective effort to promote road safety through education, infrastructure improvements, and a cultural shift towards mutual respect. Only by working together can Singapore hope to create a safer environment for cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians alike.