2 cyclists ride closely behind trailer truck on West Coast Highway at 60kmh, appear to be drafting

Two cyclists were seen riding close behind a trailer truck along West Coast Highway.

Footage of the pair was posted on Facebook group Roads.sg.

The caption stated that they were spotted on Mar. 19 at around 8:57am.

In the video, the cyclists appeared to be cycling in coordination behind the truck and keeping pace with it and not using the left-most lane, while not keeping away from its blind spots.

The dashboard camera of the vehicle following the cyclists registered speeds of up to 60kmh.

Drafting

The cyclists appeared to be drafting — a technique involving travelling behind a moving object, typically a fellow cyclist, or in some cases, a vehicle, and benefiting from the momentum and reduced wind resistance.

By tucking in close behind another rider or vehicle, the cyclist expends less energy.

Cyclists in a racing team use this technique to share the load for greater efficiency during competitions.

Cyclists who are drafting are doing it in coordination.

A cyclist in Singapore demonstrated the concept in 2017 by riding behind an SBS Transit bus.

Comments

Comments on the post criticised the pair for taking such risky actions on the road.

Some noted the possibility of the truck braking suddenly, while others pointed out the possibility of blind spots for the cyclists.

What should cyclists do on the road

Cyclists are advised to use bicycle lanes when available and not use any other part of the roadway.

It was previously reported that the police issued composition fines were issued to errant on-road cyclists, as well as advised them to abide by cycling rules and guidelines, for their safety, and to keep the roads safe for all.

Cyclists must:

• Obey all traffic signals and travel in the same direction as the flow of traffic.
• Wear a helmet when cycling on roads.
• Always ride as close as practicable to the far left edge of roads, and allow traffic to overtake them safely.
• Cycle in a single file on single-lane roads and during bus lane operational hours.
• Switch on front white and rear red lights in the dark.
• Always use bicycle lanes when available, and do not use any other part of the roadway.
• Keep to a maximum length of five bicycles when riding in groups, which means a maximum of five cyclists if riding in single file, or 10 cyclists if riding two abreast (only on roads with more than one lane).
• Not use mobile communication devices while riding.
• Not cycle on expressways, road tunnels and selected viaducts.

Top photos from Roads.sg/Facebook