Opinion piece to the Singapore Government: Healthy lifestyle, safety and public education takes priority over promotion of PMDs

 

I agree that usage of mobile phones by pedestrians should not be allowed when walking on our busy roads (Pedestrians also need to pay attention when walking; August 10, 2019, The Straits Times).  

 

However, I do not agree on the assumption by the writer, Murali that there is a witch-hunt on PMDs.

 

Our resources are being overstretched.  Healthcare workers, the traffic police and the courts are seeing an overload due to blatant disregard for traffic rules.

 

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) mentioned on 26 July 2019 that there was a total of 54 reported fires involving such mobility devices from January to June this year. Additionally, the number of reported fires involving power-assisted bicycles (PAB) and personal mobility devices (PMDs) has more than doubled in the first half of 2019, compared to the same period last year.

What is just as important is to ensure that we all manage our health properly and that means exercising regularly.  More so with rising medical costs skyrocketing.

I have seen youths who are abled bodied using E-bikes and E-scooters that run at break-neck speeding along the common corridors and pathways leading to bus stops.  If our youths or the younger generation use these PMDs more often, chances are they will not exercise, and in the long run, their health will take a beating. 

On Sunday 11^th August at around a young tall rider in his 30s came out of the blue in the darkness and rode his E-Scooter at break-neck speed, totally disregarding the passengers who were waiting at the bus stop at my block.  If I had not stayed alert, I would have been knocked down with severe injuries.  Must we keep looking over our shoulders all the time?   

Whatever happened to the government’s campaign to build a rugged society some years ago?

Let’s get it clear: Such devices must only be used by persons who have severe mobility issues. And if food delivery riders like grab food or food panda are allowed to carry cooked meals to clients, they must ride with strict regulations. For sure, on­-going publication education is a must.

To improve the quality of life in Singapore, the Ministry of Health and the Transport Ministry must work closely together to ensure that policies or schemes enable us to live, work and play in a safe and healthy environment.

 

Raymond Anthony Fernando