LTA says officers could have been ‘more sensitive’ after cyclist seen kneeling before them on bridge

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) acknowledged that its officers could have displayed more sensitivity following a video of an elderly cyclist kneeling before them on an overhead bridge. The incident unfolded on August 27 near Block 95 Aljunied Crescent, as reported by The Straits Times. A woman in a yellow shirt is seen kneeling before two men, identified as LTA enforcement officers, in the social media video, which was shared on Reddit. The woman is also gesturing towards a bicycle parked nearby.

LTA officials expressed empathy with the elderly cyclist's distress, stating that cycling on overhead bridges, primarily designed for pedestrians, without dismounting and pushing the bicycle is prohibited. Such actions can create safety hazards for pedestrians, the spokesperson explained. The spokesperson emphasized that officers carried out their duties in accordance with the rules to ensure pedestrian safety.

However, they acknowledged that such enforcement encounters can be "difficult," particularly when members of the public are distressed.

The officers involved in the Aug 27 incident recognized that they could have handled the situation with greater empathy during the enforcement. The spokesperson assured that the LTA would reinforce training to equip officers to manage such situations sensitively while consistently applying safety rules. Some social media users supported the enforcement officers, arguing that law enforcement must be fair, even if individuals beg or kneel.

Others believed that the woman should face enforcement action, as cycling across the bridge without dismounting is a frequent occurrence.

Despite differing opinions, one Reddit user called for a more compassionate society in Singapore.