June 12, 2021

MODULE 3: Rules and Code of Conduct for Using a PAB

Hi everyone, we’re back with a rundown of the final module of the handbook! This is the longest one yet, so sit tight and be prepared! 

Learning Outcomes: 

  1. Describe briefly how to handle a PAB. 
  • Start & stop: 
    • Be in control of your handlebars 
    • Brake gently to maintain control 
    • Do not swerve 
  • Moving straight: 
    • Look in front, not down 
    • Relax your shoulders 
    • Do not jerk the handlebars 
  • Hand signals: 
    • Keep one hand on the handlebar to control it 
    • Do not swerve 
  • Hand signal examples: 

 
 (taken from PAB test handbook) 

  • When turning: 
    • Keep pedaling to turn smoothly 
    • Look out for other path users behind you 
    • Inform other users of your intended direction shift by using hand signals, calling out or ringing a bell. 
  • Riding slowly: 
    • Relax your shoulders 
    • Do not jerk the handlebars 
    • Dismount and push if you feel uneasy 
  • Riding uphill/downhill:
    • Dismount and push if you feel uneasy 
    • Brake gently 
    • Do not brake suddenly or jerk the handlebars 

 

  1. Recognize different path types, signs and infrastructure and explain the appropriate actions to take when encountering them.  
  • Public paths 
    • 2 types: Footpaths/Cycling Paths 
    • PABs can only be ridden on cycling paths and roads (excluding expressways and tunnels) 
    • Dismount and push PAB on footpaths 
    • Obey path markings, signs, traffic signals 
  • Footpaths: 
    • Generally grey and without markings 
    • Includes open spaces e.g. courtyards, community/town plazas and squares  
    • PABs cannot be ridden here, you may dismount and push your PAB instead 
    • Only PMAs, bicycles, non-motorized PMDs are allowed on footpaths 
    • Speed limit 10km/h 
  • Cycling Paths: 
    • Identified by cyclist, bicycle, pedestrian & bicycle, “PCN” logos at the start 
    • Generally grey or red (some in public housing estates may come in blue, orange, green etc.) 
    • All active mobility devices can be used here 
  • Special Zones within Paths 
    • Pedestrian Priority Zones (within cycling paths) 
      • Usually around pedestrian crossings, behind bus stops 
      • Marked by red dashes/a gap in coloured cycling paths 
      • Dismount if there are many path users around 
    • School Zones (within footpaths) 
      • Marked by ‘School Zone’ logo, ‘Slow’ markings and rumble strips in the ground 
      • Motorized PMDs and PABs are not allowed here as school zones are still considered footpaths. 
    • Pedestrian-Only Zones 
      • Marked by ‘No-Riding’ signs and red triangle markings 
      • Only PMAs can be ridden here, all other devices can only be pushed in this area 
  • Path Signs and Markings 
    • There are many to take note of, it would be best to refer to them here, from page 43 to 69. 

 

  1. List at least 3 rules for riding a PAB on paths.  

Any 3: 

  • Keep within 25km/h speed limit 
  • Do not ride recklessly or endanger anyone 
  • Slow down and stop at crossings, look out for traffic 
  • In the event you are in an accident where people are injured/property is damaged, stop to assist, provide particulars and report the incident. 
  • Obey instructions given by enforcement officers. Do not obstruct their duties. 
  • Do not use any mobile communication devices while riding, unless they are mounted or usable in a hands-free manner (voice assist, Siri). Still safer to stop before using it. 
  • Front white light and rear red light must be switched on if PAB is ridden between 7pm to 7am. 

 

  1. List at least 3 rules for riding a PAB on roads.  

Any 3: 

  • Obey traffic signals and rules, follow traffic flow, stay on left-hand side of the road, keep a straight course, do not suddenly change steering direction 
  • All riders and pillion riders must wear helmets 
  • Ride in single file, or up to 2 side by side if the road has 2/more lanes (N/A during bus lane operation hours, which are Mon-Fri 7.30am - 9.30am, 5pm - 8pm) 
  • Do not ride on right side of motor vehicles unless overtaking 
  • Never overtake via the left of a motor vehicle turning left 
  • No riding PABs on expressways or in tunnels 
  • Use the bicycle lane only if at Tanah Merah Coast Rd 
  • All loads must be properly secured 
  • Do not carry loads that could endanger, obstruct or annoy other road users 
  • No towing allowed 
  • Do not use any mobile communication devices while riding, unless they are mounted or usable in a hands-free manner (voice assist, Siri). Still best to stop before using it. 
  • Front white light and rear red light must be switched on if PAB is ridden between 7pm to 7am. 

 

  1. Describe the steps to take in 3 different off-road scenarios. 

Any 3: 

Scenario 1: Riding in areas crowded with pedestrians (e.g. bus stops, traffic crossings) 

  • Slow down and prepare to stop 
  • Ride slowly, dismount and push your PAB 
  • Keep a safe distance, give way to pedestrians 

Scenario 2: Riding behind others 

  • Keep a safe distance, do not tailgate in case person in front stops suddenly- if you follow too closely behind you may crash into them 

Scenario 3: Overtaking others 

  • Slow down as you approach people in front of you 
  • Gently inform them about your intention to overtake around 5-10m away 
  • Check no one is coming towards you (front and back) before overtaking 
  • If you don’t have enough space to overtake, keep a safe distance from the other party and wait until you do 
  • Do not overtake when approaching pedestrian crossings, bends, blind corners 

Scenario 4: Approaching others 

  • Keep to the left 
  • Slow down, prepare to stop 
  • Give way to pedestrians 
  • Stop and move aside if there is insufficient space on the path 

Scenario 5: Stopping along a path 

  • Move to the side, do not obstruct others 

 

  1. Describe the steps to take in 9 different on-road scenarios. 

This is quite lengthy, so do refer to the diagrams on pg 78-90 of the handbook 

 

  1. Recognize different hazards when riding and explain how to react to them.  
  • Hazards:  
    • Path users 
    • Road users 
    • Oncoming vehicles at road crossings 
    • Blind spots 
    • Obstacles/Kerbs 
    • Riding in the rain 
    • Riding in low visibility conditions (night time/rainy weather) 
  • Actions you can take to keep yourself safe: 
    • Slow down when you encounter the above so you have time to react 
    • Stop at crossings and look out for vehicles 
    • Check your equipment before riding 

 

  1. Describe the actions to take in an accident.
  • Stop to assist 
  • Call for an ambulance if anyone requires urgent medical attention 
  • Take photos/videos of the accident scene once it is safe to do so (plate numbers, damage caused) 
  • Remove your device to avoid obstructing the path (only after evidence has been gathered) 
  • Exchange particulars with involved parties 
  • For accidents on public paths, if no authorized officer is around, report the incident to the police 
  • Failure to do the above may be construed as an offence 

 

That's all from us for now!