Singapore Ride Safe 2024 – Speech by Assoc Prof Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development

Mr Bernard Tay, Chairman, Singapore Road Safety Council,

SAC Daniel Tan, Commander, Traffic Police,

Mr Alvin Chia, Senior Group Director, Traffic & Road Operations, LTA

Distinguished Guests, Sponsors and Partners,

Ladies and Gentlemen

1. A very good afternoon to each and every one of you. I’m very happy to be able to join you this afternoon to launch the Singapore Ride Safe 2024.

2. This is the third time the Singapore Ride Safe campaign has been held in conjunction with the National Bikers’ Weekend. This collaboration is a testament to our shared commitment to safe riding in Singapore. By bringing together riders, the authorities, and the wider community, we create a collective front in promoting road safety. This shared effort allows us to reach riders effectively, demonstrating that road safety is not just the responsibility of one group, but a duty we all share as road users.

Motorcyclists Are a Vulnerable Group of Road Users

3. In the first half of this year, compared to the same period last year, the number of road traffic accidents decreased. However, the total number of injured persons and fatalities increased by 2.4%, which is worrying.

4. In particular, motorcyclists and pillion riders remain a vulnerable group of road users as they continue to account for more than half of all traffic accidents in Singapore. In the first half of 2024, a total of 45 motorcyclists and pillion riders lost their lives, making up 62% of all traffic fatalities. Another 2,159 of them were injured, with motorcyclists and pillion riders involved in 55% of all traffic accidents. These numbers are more than mere statistics; they represent real lives. Every injury is significant, and each fatality leaves a grieving family behind. This is why our road safety efforts are so crucial, very important.

Road Safety Is a Key Priority for All of Us

5. Road safety is a key priority for all of us. That is why Traffic Police has been working closely with the stakeholders and partners to promote safe driving and riding practices among road users, while also enforcing the law against errant motorists.

6. Traffic Police is committed to making our roads safer in Singapore. We are implementing comprehensive education and engagement initiatives to foster responsible road use. For instance, our "Reward the Sensible Motorists" programme aims to encourage and recognise safe driving and riding habits, thereby enhancing overall road safety. Today, we will also be launching a road safety video focusing on motorcyclists, which is part of a series of road safety videos released by Traffic Police this year.

7. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play in road safety. I urge all road users, motorcyclists and pillion riders to put their safety first and take proactive steps to protect themselves. This includes wearing proper riding gear such as an approved helmet, riding jacket, and gloves before getting on your bikes, as well as practising defensive riding techniques.

Let’s Foster a Strong Road Safety Culture for the Delivery Riders!

8. One group of motorcyclists we are particularly concerned about is our delivery riders. They spend long hours on the roads, come rain or shine, to provide delivery services for our community. It is important for platform operators to prioritise their well-being and safety. We must ensure that they have the support and resources to do their job safely and effectively.

9. I strongly encourage all delivery riders to participate actively in safety training courses and talks, whenever possible. I call on more industry stakeholders and businesses to foster a strong road safety culture for delivery riders.

Engaging the Motorcycling Community With Stakeholders and Partners

10. Today’s Singapore Ride Safe Campaign exemplifies our commitment to engaging with the motorcycling community. Traffic Police has organised a series of talks and activities for motorcyclists in collaboration with our partners. These sessions will cover important topics, such as how to conduct proper pre-ride checks and the importance of wearing appropriate riding gear in preventing serious injuries. We are also excited to share information about the updated safety standards for helmets, set to be published later this year, which will potentially give motorcyclists a wider choice in helmets.

Commendation of Exemplary Motorists

11. Earlier this year, I launched the “Reward the Sensible Motorists” campaign, where TP recognised motorists who ride or drive safely and responsibly. This includes actions such as signalling before changing lanes, giving way to other motorists and pedestrians, and wearing of protective gear while riding. When Traffic Police officers observed these exemplary behaviours, they acknowledged the motorists with a token of appreciation. These positive interactions were then shared on the Traffic Police's Use Your RoadSense Facebook page to inspire and promote safe road practices.

12. This campaign ran for six months, from 1 April to 30 September 2024. During this period, a total of 82 motorists were commended for their exemplary behaviour on our roads. Some of them are here with us today to receive a special award sponsored by Harley Davidson. Let’s give a big round of applause to these exemplary motorists!

“Gear Up, Ride Safe. Your Loved Ones Await.”

13. This year’s Singapore Ride Safe campaign carries the tagline – “Gear Up, Ride Safe. Your loved ones await.” It serves as a poignant reminder that our families and loved ones are waiting for us at home. I urge all motorists to adopt a safety-first attitude and exercise graciousness on the road, as our actions impact not only ourselves but those around us. If everyone commits to this mindset, we can significantly reduce accidents and create safer roads for all.

Conclusion

14. To conclude, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Traffic Police for their tireless efforts in keeping our roads safe. My gratitude also extends to the Singapore Road Safety Council and the Land Transport Authority for the work that they do and for co-organising and supporting today’s event respectively. Finally, a heartfelt thank-you to all our corporate partners and driving schools. You have been our strongest advocates for road safety, and your long-standing support for this campaign is invaluable and deeply appreciated.

15. On this note, I am very pleased to officially launch the Singapore Ride Safe 2024 campaign. I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable day ahead. Thank you for having me and have a great weekend.