While there are benefits to PMD usage, poor user behaviour has also compromised the safety of pedestrians.

Following a discussion over the possibility to ban PMDs in Singapore, veteran local architect Tay Kheng Soon has spoken out regarding the controversy in Singapore.

Tay is also an Adjunct Professor at the National Department of Architecture at the National University of Singapore (NUS).

Suggested design change for pavement

Instead of banning PMDs, Tay recommended a simple design change.

In his Facebook post on Oct. 9, he suggested adding grooves to the pedestrian pavements to compel PMD riders to slow down.

In addition, walkways can be widened to accommodate more users.

In subsequent posts, Tay also explained how small design tweaks could create more space for pedestrians.

His idea has sparked further discussion with more than 100 comments regarding its feasibility.

Tay also replied actively in the comment section, and engaged several others in discussing the idea.

The most important takeaway can perhaps be summarised in this exchange between Tay and one Min Zhang⁠ -- that the solution to the PMD issues can be a creative one following open discussion.

However, it should also be highlighted that public spaces in Singapore are governed by multiple agencies, which sometimes lead to coordination issues.

What might appear straightforward could actually require the buy-in and approval across the board.

Top photo collage from U@LIVE via City News and LTA/Facebook

 

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