A funny little thing is happening in Singapore these past two days: Drivers and cyclists have been sharing the same article insisting they are right.

The article was written by Today, on May 5, 2017, way before the recent brouhaha broke out after footage showed a cyclist blocking the way of a lorry and then getting sideswiped.

Essentially, the article is about how there are some rules in our Road Traffic Act that apply solely to cyclists.

Specifically, these rules that apply to cyclists can be found in Chapter 276, Section 140, also known as Road Traffic (Bicycles) Rules.

However, taking all the rules together, there appears to be a contradiction.

This is due to how cyclists are lawfully allowed to ride side-by-side in twos and how cyclists also ought to give way to faster vehicles.

So, here are the rules and you all can continue to fight about it.

1. Cyclist must ride in an orderly fashion

The rules state that cyclists have to do their best not to endanger other road users.

This means cyclists must generally behave on the roads.

The Road Traffic (Bicycles) Rules says: “No bicycle shall be ridden or propelled otherwise than in an orderly manner and with due regard for the safety of others.”

Doing anything on a public road that poses a safety risk is against the law.

One possible scenario is by riding unsteadily and not keeping to the left of the road.

Another scenario is to do a wheelie.

2. Cyclists must always keep left and give way to faster traffic

The law in Singapore also says that “every bicycle shall be ridden close to the left hand edge of the roadway and in such a manner as not to obstruct vehicles moving at a faster speed”.

Drivers have the law on their side when they get frustrated with cyclists who ride in the middle of a lane and get in their way.

Bicycle riders have to stick to the left hand edge of a road and stay there.

Any cyclist is breaking the law if he or she deliberately obstructs a faster vehicle.

3. Cyclists can ride max two riders side-by-side

The Road Traffic (Bicycles) Rules also states: “No bicycle shall be ridden on the right of any two other bicycles proceeding abreast in the same direction except when overtaking such other bicycles or on parts of roads or paths set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.”

Besides the law, road usage is also governed by the the Highway Code — which more of a formalised code of conduct than an actual set of laws.

It recommends that cyclists ride in single-file, but riders are allowed to ride two abreast, except when riding in bus lanes.

Just be considerate

With formal rules that can contradict one another, what are drivers and cyclists to do?

At the end of the day, it is not about being right.

It is abour being considerate.

Just don’t do anything that will get you arrested.

Top photo via