A routine dog walk turned into a heated confrontation when a cyclist collided with a canine on a narrow pedestrian path, sparking a debate about the rights of cyclists on shared walkways.
The incident, which occurred in the Hougang area, unfolded as a dog owner strolled along a sheltered path near a construction zone. The serene walk took a sudden turn when a bicycle swiftly approached from behind, striking the dog’s snout with its front wheel.
Startled and feeling threatened, the dog instinctively showed its teeth, a common defensive reaction in such situations, according to the owner’s account. However, rather than acknowledging the close encounter, the cyclist berated the pet owner, blaming her for the incident and asserting his right to share the walkway.
In a Facebook post detailing the encounter, the pet owner questioned the extent of a cyclist’s right of way on a pedestrian walkway, prompting a lively discussion among social media users.
Witnesses to the incident echoed the pet owner’s concern, emphasizing the need for cyclists to exercise caution and yield to pedestrians on shared paths. One commenter shared her practice of using her body as a shield for her dog when confronted with oncoming bikes in narrow spaces.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) guidelines for bicycles and active mobility devices were cited in the online discourse. The rules include giving way to pedestrians, maintaining a controlled speed, and alerting others before overtaking. Cyclists are also encouraged to use cycling paths and keep a safe distance from other path users to prevent collisions.
As the debate continues, this incident serves as a reminder for both cyclists and pedestrians to be mindful of each other’s presence and adhere to the established codes of conduct to ensure a safe coexistence on shared walkways.
