Young Cyclists Sentenced to Probation for Dangerous Riding on Orchard Road
SINGAPORE: Six young men found guilty of reckless cycling on Orchard Road have been sentenced to nine months of probation, following an incident that took place on May 10, 2024. The group, consisting of two 17-year-olds whose identities remain undisclosed under the Children and Young Persons Act, along with Ahmad Noordinie Mohamed Noorshah, Muhammad Irfan Muhamad Noor, Muhaidy Marhady, and Muhammad Aliyul Qadry Mohamad Razak, admitted to breaking cycling regulations during their night ride.
The young cyclists embarked on their journey from Bukit Panjang MRT station, making their way through various roads in Singapore before ending their ride at Jurong around 4 am. Along the iconic Orchard Road, one of the 17-year-olds recorded a video of the group’s dangerous antics, including wheelies, riding with no hands, and weaving between lanes. The footage was later uploaded to the popular social media platform TikTok by Aliyul.
Hotline Tip-off and Legal Consequences
The police were alerted to their dangerous behavior by a hotline tip-off at around 11 pm on the same night. The group was charged with multiple offenses related to unsafe cycling practices, with Aliyul facing the most charges at four counts. The court heard that the decision to impose probation was supported by the prosecution, with each young man receiving specific terms based on their circumstances.
Probation Terms and Family Responsibilities
As part of their probation, the young men are required to adhere to a curfew from 10 pm to 6 am, in addition to completing between 40 and 60 hours of community service. Irfan, who struggled to follow the curfew during the assessment period, was also placed on electronic monitoring until he enlists in National Service. To ensure compliance, their family members were bonded S$5,000 ($3,650) and urged to provide support throughout the probation period.
Judge’s Words of Wisdom
During sentencing, District Judge Kok Shu En emphasized the importance of learning from the experience and making better decisions in the future. She highlighted the risks the young men had exposed themselves and others to, reminding them of the potential consequences of their actions. Judge Kok urged them not to compare their sentences, stressing the individualized nature of the probation terms based on each person’s circumstances.
In conclusion, the judge encouraged the young men to view probation as an opportunity for personal growth and reflection, emphasizing the need to make responsible choices moving forward. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and compliance with regulations, not only for their well-being but also for the safety of others on the road.
This incident underscores the need for young cyclists to prioritize safety and responsible riding practices, ensuring that their actions do not endanger themselves or others on the road. Let’s all strive to make our roads safer for everyone, one ride at a time.