SOURCE: The Straits Times

The accident in Clementi last year killed a cyclist and injured another, and sparked off efforts by cycling groups to raise cycling awareness on roads here.

Yesterday, a doctor, Teo Tiong Kiat, 63, was charged in court over the incident near Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

He is alleged to have caused the death of freelance writer Mok Chee Kong, 35, by committing a negligent act along Clementi Road on March 21 last year at about 9.25pm.

He is also said to have caused grievous hurt to Mr Bertram Leong Poh Meng, 23, a chef, who was cycling in front of Mr Mok.

The collisions occurred when Teo was filtering from the centre lane to the left one.

The general practitioner also faces three other charges of failing to stop after the accident; failing to render help; and removing his car without the approval of a police officer.

Mr Mok, an experienced cyclist who had ridden overseas in countries like the United States, died three days later without regaining consciousness.

Teo’s lawyer, Mr Chen Chee Yen, said he had just been briefed and applied for the case to be adjourned to take instructions.

Teo, who is out on $10,000 police bail, will be back in court on July 21.

If convicted, he can be jailed up to two years, fined or both for causing death; and jailed up to two years and/or fined up to $5,000 for causing grievous hurt by committing a negligent act to endanger life.

The maximum penalty for not stopping after an accident and removing a vehicle without authority is a $1,000 fine or three months’ jail on each charge.

For failing to render assistance, the maximum punishment is a $3,000 fine or 12 months’ jail.

After Mr Mok’s death, cycling groups lobbied for a national safe cycling campaign to be launched.

A “ghost bike” memorial was erected at the accident scene in Clementi Road. “Ghost bikes” first appeared in the US at places where cyclists had been knocked down.

They serve as both a warning to other cyclists and a reminder to drivers that cyclists also ply the roads they use.