Lupa Kata Sandi? Klik di Sini

atau Masuk melalui

Belum Memiliki Akun Daftar di Sini


atau Daftar melalui

Sudah Memiliki Akun Masuk di Sini

Konfirmasi Email

Kami telah mengirimkan link aktivasi melalui email ke rudihamdani@gmail.com.

Klik link aktivasi dan dapatkan akses membaca 2 artikel gratis non Laput di koran dan Majalah Tempo

Jika Anda tidak menerima email,
Kirimkan Lagi Sekarang

Deadly E-Scooter Crash Sparks Debate in Singapore

Translator

Tempo.co

Editor

Laila Afifa

27 September 2019 06:06 WIB

TEMPO.CO, Bangkok - The death of an elderly Singaporean cyclist after a collision with an electric scooter, has renewed the debate around the safety of such devices that transport analysts say are key to improving urban mobility in Asia's booming cities.

The death of the woman on Wednesday, September 25, followed a series of similar accidents in Singapore, which last year unveiled a number of measures to regulate so-called personal mobility devices (PMD) such as electric bikes and e-scooters.

While such electric devices have become increasingly widespread in many Asian cities, there are few dedicated lanes or regulations, even as authorities try to rein in emission and congestion-causing cars.

"The fact that their usage has grown so rapidly signals that there is a gap in the existing urban transportation network, and PMDs seem to be addressing that," said Julienne Chen, a researcher at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD).

"Safety is a critical issue. But with the right set of conditions and infrastructure, it's likely their usage will grow," she said, pointing to supportive policies that boosted bicycle use in cities such as Amsterdam and Copenhagen.

Globally, electric bicycles and standing scooters have become popular with city residents and tourists alike for short commutes, and to connect to public transport networks.

Shared bike and e-scooter schemes have been introduced in cities from New York to Sydney, with mixed results.

As accidents increased, countries including Germany, France and Spain have clamped down, with speed limits and pavement bans for e-scooters.

In Singapore - which has one of the best public transport networks in the world - e-scooters must be registered, and the devices must weigh under 20 kg (44 lb), with a top speed of 25 km (16 miles) per hour on public paths.

There are no rules in Thailand, where Singapore-based Neuron Mobility has launched several hundred of its bright orange e-scooters in the northern city of Chiang Mai and in Bangkok, where they jostle for space on narrow pavements.

"People in cities are looking for autonomous, affordable and sustainable options. The more options they have, the more reasons they will have to give up their cars," said Nate Chanchareon, head of Neuron's business development.

"Technology can be used to solve mobility issues, with app-based shared vehicles, and with in-built speed limits, and safeguards to ensure riders wear helmets," he said.

In recent years, bicycle lanes have appeared in cities including Seoul, Beijing, Taipei and Kuala Lumpur.

Yet authorities have been slow to act on PMDs, said Neil Sipe, a professor at the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences in The University of Queensland in Australia.

"Authorities have to realize that sole dependence on cars will only lead to more congestion and won't solve urban mobility problems," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation on Thursday.

"These new forms of mobility will help ease the transport disadvantage in cities in both advanced and emerging economies."

As cities grapple with mobility and safety issues, the trick is to "balance a regulatory approach with an enabling approach", as laws alone cannot compensate for inadequate infrastructure, said SUTD's Chen.

"In the past, we let innovations like personal automobiles fundamentally - and often times detrimentally - shape and influence urban development," she said.

"Many cities are now trying to break free of that model, and will need to become more flexible and adaptable." 

REUTERS



Govt: No Indonesians Among Baltimore Bridge Collapse Victims

22 jam lalu

Govt: No Indonesians Among Baltimore Bridge Collapse Victims

The Indonesian Ministry confirmed on Thursday that no Indonesian citizens were among the victims of the collapse of the Baltimore bridge.


Two Bodies Recovered After Singapore-Flagged Ship Hit Baltimore Bridge, Agencies Report

1 hari lalu

Two Bodies Recovered After Singapore-Flagged Ship Hit Baltimore Bridge, Agencies Report

Divers recovered the remains of two of the six workers missing after a Singapore-flagged container rammed into the Baltimore Bridge, reports said.


Southeast Asia Human Trafficking Now a Global Crisis, Interpol Says

1 hari lalu

Southeast Asia Human Trafficking Now a Global Crisis, Interpol Says

Organized crime rings that fuelled an "explosion" of human trafficking and cyber scam centers during the pandemic have expanded from Southeast Asia.


4 People Rushed to Hospital after Multiple Accidents at Halim Toll Gate

1 hari lalu

4 People Rushed to Hospital after Multiple Accidents at Halim Toll Gate

Four people were rushed to the hospital after a pile-up accident at the Halim Toll's main gate in East Jakarta on Wednesday morning


Today's Top 3 News: Indonesia Takes Over Natuna's Airspace from Singapore

3 hari lalu

Today's Top 3 News: Indonesia Takes Over Natuna's Airspace from Singapore

Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.


Indonesia Takes Over Natuna's Airspace from Singapore

5 hari lalu

Indonesia Takes Over Natuna's Airspace from Singapore

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) had approved the proposal of flight information region (FIR) takeover from Singapore to Indonesia


Indonesia Gains Control of Natuna's Airspace from Singapore, Says Minister Luhut

5 hari lalu

Indonesia Gains Control of Natuna's Airspace from Singapore, Says Minister Luhut

Minister Luhut states that ICAO has approved the proposal for the flight information region (FIR) takeover from Singapore to Indonesia.


Bekasi Rail Accident, Airlangga Train Hits Two Minibuses at Bulak Kapal Crossing

5 hari lalu

Bekasi Rail Accident, Airlangga Train Hits Two Minibuses at Bulak Kapal Crossing

A train accident occurred in Bekasi when the KA Airlangga train connecting Jakarta-Surabaya hit two minibusses at the level crossing without a gate.


Singapore's Race to Self-sufficiency in Malaysia Water Stoush

7 hari lalu

Singapore's Race to Self-sufficiency in Malaysia Water Stoush

Building tensions between Singapore and Malaysia over its water agreement is setting the two on a collision course over scarcity and sustainability.


Top 10 Happiest Countries in Asia; Singapore Ranked First

7 hari lalu

Top 10 Happiest Countries in Asia; Singapore Ranked First

Singapore has been voted the happiest country in Asia for the second consecutive year, according to the 2024 World Happiest Country Report.