Why he honked

From Voices

Today • Thursday • June 26, 2008

 

Cyclists not keeping to a single file, so driver alerted them: Investigations

 

Letter from KUEK CHOR LING

Manager, Corporate Marketing and Communications

SMRT Corporation

 

WE REFER to “Bikes vs bus” (June 17). SMRT buses places priority on safety and all our drivers are trained in this aspect.

 

Our investigation showed that on the night of June 13, Service 61 was travelling on the third lane along Clementi Road off Maju Drive. The bus was travelling behind two cyclists who were riding next to each other.

 

As a precautionary measure, our Service Leader sounded his horn once while he was a distance away to alert the cyclists that he was behind them. Our Service Leaders generally adopt this practice to give cyclists ample notice to ride in a single file, before attempting to overtake them.

 

In this instance, the cyclists continued to ride side-by-side, so our Service Leader sounded his horn again. The Service Leader was unable to overtake the cyclists because they were not riding in a single file and there was traffic in the second lane.

 

The Service Leader has been counselled regarding this incident and reminded to show consideration and courtesy. We also seek the cooperation of other road users. We thank the writer for the feedback.