Cyclists and Riders of Power-Assisted Bicycles Caught for Not Wearing Helmets and Actions Taken against Them in First Eight Months of 2021

Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked the Minister for Transport (a) in the first eight months of 2021, how many (i) cyclists and (ii) riders of power-assisted bicycles have been caught for or found not wearing helmets while cycling on the roads; and (b) of these numbers, how many received punishments and what is the range of the punishments given.

In the first eight months of 2021, there were 292 violations detected of errant cyclists for helmet-related offences. The Traffic Police (TP) does not track pedal bicycles and power-assisted bicycles separately for this offence. The violations were detected through both regular joint enforcement operations conducted by TP and LTA and routine patrols.

Our enforcement officers also take the opportunity to educate the offenders on safe riding practices. Most of the offenders or more than 75% were issued with a composition fine of $75. The maximum penalty for this offence is a $1,000 fine and/or imprisonment sentence of three months for first-time offenders. Repeat offenders could face a maximum penalty of a $2,000 fine and/or imprisonment sentence of six months.