A snapshot of a Personal Mobility Aid (PMA) user crashing into a cyclist on a shared path in Singapore has set social media ablaze, reigniting public concerns over safety, right of way, and regulation of non-motorised transport. The now-viral image — frozen at the perfect moment of impact — shows both riders airborne, limbs flailing in a blur of chaos and disbelief.
The incident, posted on the Facebook page “Singapore Roads Accident.com”, has drawn thousands of comments and reactions. According to the caption, the PMA rider blamed the uncle on the bicycle for “anyhow changing lane,” while the cyclist insisted the PMA user was “speeding like nobody’s business.” While no serious injuries were reported, the photo has triggered a wider conversation on the growing risks of unregulated mobility on shared spaces.
Internet Reacts: Humour, Frustration and Calls for Reform
Netizens wasted no time weighing in. Some praised the photographer’s split-second reflexes — likening the photo to a scene from a video game or movie. Others turned to humour: one commenter said it looked like a “Mario Kart showdown,” while another cheekily noted, “You fast, I fast, hospital also fast.”
Yet beneath the laughs, there’s genuine frustration. Many Singaporeans pointed out that shared paths — especially in dense neighbourhoods like Yishun or near transport hubs — are increasingly congested, with PMA users, cyclists, scooter riders and pedestrians jostling for space. The lack of clear lane separation, inadequate speed enforcement, and little user accountability has turned everyday commutes into potential hazards.
Others questioned whether current regulations are sufficient. PMAs, which are designed to assist the elderly or those with mobility issues, are not subjected to the same scrutiny as Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) or bicycles. Still, the line between necessity and misuse has blurred in recent years, with many PMAs being used by able-bodied individuals, raising concerns over fairness and safety.
Growing Push for Education, Enforcement and Insurance
Beyond the spectacle, this incident reflects a deeper need for infrastructure reform and public education. Authorities like the Land Transport Authority (LTA) have rolled out initiatives to promote safe riding and sharing etiquette — but many believe more needs to be done.
Proposals from the public have included lane demarcation on wider paths, mandatory safety training for PMA and bicycle users, and even basic licensing or registration schemes. Some have suggested introducing insurance schemes to cover injuries or damages from such incidents, especially as more of these devices become part of Singapore’s mobility ecosystem.
“Shared path… shared fall,” one commenter quipped — a sentiment that summarises the situation all too well. As Singapore continues to push for car-lite, last-mile connectivity, the challenge lies in ensuring that safety keeps pace with accessibility.
Until then, as one netizen wrote: “Only winner here is the photographer — picture worth a thousand insurance claims.”
Image Source: Singapore roads accident.com