Sharing the road with motorcyclists in Singapore
SPF handbook guidance for drivers on motorcycle visibility, pulling out, stopping, blind spots, bends and slippery surfaces.
Primary source: https://www.police.gov.sg/-/media/SPF/Knowledge-Hub/Traffic/FT-ENG-2126-Revised.pdf
Traffic Police's Final Theory of Driving handbook gives drivers guidance for sharing the road with motorcyclists. The points below are presented as handbook safety recommendations (SPF, Final Theory of Driving handbook, paras. 249–254).
Look out for motorcyclists
Motorcycles are small and fast-moving, so they may not be clearly visible. The handbook advises drivers to look out for motorcyclists, give them room, and not insist on priority because a rider may be seriously injured in a fall (SPF, Final Theory of Driving handbook, para. 249).
Before pulling out, allow approaching motorcyclists to pass first; they may not know that you intend to move off. When slowing down or stopping, watch for motorcyclists following closely and signal your intention early (SPF, Final Theory of Driving handbook, paras. 250–251).
Bends, road surfaces and blind spots
A motorcyclist crossing a sandy or wet patch may lose control. Slow down and be ready to stop if necessary. An oncoming motorcyclist on a bend may move into your path; give the rider room by keeping further to your left. Check for motorcyclists in your blind spot before changing direction (SPF, Final Theory of Driving handbook, paras. 252–254).
Coverage debt
The handbook gives no numerical clearance for drivers to leave around a motorcyclist in these situations. These paragraphs are safety guidance and do not set out the legal priority rules for every road situation (SPF, Final Theory of Driving handbook, paras. 249–254).