To me, following rules are important mainly for the legal aspects. That is, it matters only after accident happened. For safety, more relevant is to be in a safest possible situation. For e.g., don’t start riding because the traffic rules allow so (e.g. lights turning from red to green), but because it is safe to do so.

I would like to say right now that cycling in Singapore is dangerous. The number of deaths of cyclists on the road are increasing. However, bicycle shops are seeing their business double and treble, partially because of the increased transport costs and the desire to keep fit.

Drivers in Singapore, and in most parts of the world, are very poorly trained with regards to cyclists. In fact, I do not remember even learning anything about cyclists when I learned to drive, and only learned a little during my motorcycle lessons. City dwellers tend to be impatient and always feel they have the right of way, and that translates to their driving behaviour. Cyclists are also occasionally responsible for their own accidents because many cyclists break the traffic rules regularly.

Oncoming traffic turning right, and traffic joining from small lanes on the left are the main dangers. Be extra careful around taxis, buses, big trucks and sports cars.

If you are planning to cycle on the roads in Singapore, I would hope that you are already a capable cyclists who have cycled in your own city before. On top of that, perhaps you would like to take some time to understand your cycling routes and possible hazards on those routes. Learn the traffic patterns before tackling it on a bicycle, especially if you are used to traffic from the opposite side of the road. Wear protective gear, and use lights and reflectors to be visible. I should not need to say any of this if you are a seasoned cyclists.

If you just want to cycle for exercise, you can do so in a number of large public parks around the country, particularly the East Coast Park. There you can cycle on designated cycling paths, and your only danger is running over little children.

I wish you safe and enjoyable cycling in Singapore. It is not a cycling haven, but cycling is rewarding in and of itself.

nice to read your post. i am just moved to singapore and not really understand the rule of riding bicycle here. I see some people just ride in the pavement while others ride down the road. which one is actually permissible? what are the rules of riding bicycle in singapore?

thankyou very much for your help!
have a nice day.

-dina