S'pore cyclist bumps into visually impaired man & his guide dog on pavement

Oh no.

Ashley Tan | April 26, 2023, 07:07 PM

A cyclist had a run-in with a visually impaired person and his guide dog along a pavement.

A video of the incident is circulating online.

Posted by Facebook group Beh Chia Lor, the video was credited to Thomas and Eve. The pair is Guide Dog Singapore's (GDS) tenth guide dog team.

Thomas was diagnosed with Glaucoma when he was 16.

His sight started to deteriorate in his early 20s and the condition has led to complete blindness.

Photo from Guide Dogs Singapore website

The video posted appears to be filmed by Thomas, perhaps using a body camera.

The clip shows him walking on the right hand side of the pavement, with several other people walking on the left side.

A male cyclist approaches from ahead. He appeared to think that Thomas and Eve would move to give way to him, and confidently pedals on.

He subsequently rams into Thomas.

Thomas' guide dog, Eve, pauses to look back at her owner before continuing onwards.

Gif from Beh Chia Lor / FB

It is uncertain if Thomas was injured from the encounter.

The video drew ire from social media users, who lambasted the cyclist for not giving way to Thomas.

It is also plausible that the cyclist was unaware that Thomas is visually impaired, and Eve, a guide dog.

Cyclists can ring their bell: Thomas

Thomas told Mothership that he, as well as other members of public, experience such incidents often.

"While the recent incident was unfortunate, it has highlighted the importance of raising awareness about how the public can help ensure our safety while we navigate our surroundings," he said.

Thomas highlighted that one way cyclists can alert guide dog users of their presence is to ring their bicycle bell when approaching.

Guide dog users will be aware that a cyclist is nearby, and will have the time and space to move out of the way.

However, GDS also shared with Mothership in a statement that some visually impaired people might have a hearing impairment as well, and might not be able to hear the sound of the bicycle's bell.

Not only do guide dog users face risks of colliding with cyclists or PMD users, so do white cane users.

GDS noted that stationary bicycles may also be obstructions to white cane users as their canes might get stuck in the bicycle wheels, which could lead to injury.

"We strongly encourage members of the public and cyclists to exercise patience and look out for people with vision impairment, whether they are using a white cane or guide dog," GDS urged.

More about guide dogs

According to GDS, guide dogs in Singapore are identifiable by their working harness.

Guide dogs are allowed in eating places, including restaurants, food courts and cafes, as well as on public transport.

They are also allowed in halal establishments, according to MUIS.

Find more information on guide dogs via Mothership on Earth's infographic here.

Top photo from Beh Chia Lor / FB