Back to Our Original Nature

Easy Rolling Wheel

2015-02-04T17:49:00.001+08:00

Trying to document how to make my Easy Rolling Wheel. Need not follow exactly, just achieve the functionality. You might also like to read about some other similar products that I have come across.

Materials: Some anti slip material, Elastic string,Normal string (thicker type), A paper clip (optional),some scotch tape, Some double sided tape (thicker better), A washer, Furniture caster wheel, Some unwanted cloth, furry and thick would be better, and Water hose.

This is one of the way to reduce the slanting angle of the caster wheel.
Thickering the caster wheel stem: Cut out two pieces from the water hose about the length of the caster wheel stem. Cut a small segment out from one of them..

Coil the cut piece reversely and insert it into the other piece.

Pass the elastic string through the hose piece.
Tie the elastic string with an adjustable loop on to the base of the caster wheel stem.

Position the elastic string at the gap of the cut hose in the outer hose.
Press the hose piece on to the caster wheel stem.
It should be quite tight.
Note:
1) This design might need to be adjusted depending on the bottom cap of the seat post.
2) A longer section of the hose might be better.

That's it if your seat post allow the elastic string to be pulled through from the top and tie on to the saddle frame. Otherwise, you'll need to find a way to secure the top end of the elastic string inside the seat post. Below shows the way I did it.

To make something that will press on the "stopper" (see further below), ideally with some outward forces when the elastic string is being pulled.
Cut a small piece of cloth. Size depends on its thickness.

Coil up the cloth, with the elastic string passing through it, to a diameter thicker than the inner diameter of the seat post. Having a small narrow tube (e.g. pen body) at the center of the cloth for the string to pass through is better.
Use scotch tape to keep the cloth in place.

Estimate length of elastic string such that it is about 90% taut when it is stretched an extra length of the distance the bottom of your seat post to the bottom of the seat tube when seat post is at your riding height.
Here half length of the straw was the distance I needed. Optionally, can use paper clip to connect two elastic strings for easier adjustment and removal of caster wheel.

Length of the elastic string.

To make the "stopper": Cut another two small section of the water hose out. Further cut open them.

Join the two together, using double side tape at a portion of the overlapping area. Tie the normal string at the overlapping part tightly. Can cut a small groove at both sides to avoid string from being displaced. Normal string might not be necessary as stronger pull on the elastic string should also get the whole thing out.
Tie the other end of the elastic string tightly to a washer so that it can't be easily pulled out from the cloth.

Insert a small piece of anti slip mat into the two pieces of hose, and through the normal string. Coil the hose and anti slip material reversely so that the anti slip material is outside, and insert it into the seat post. Here is an illustration when inserted into something similar to a seat post.

Alternatively (I haven't tried), use a less stiff hose, and with larger diameter, one piece might be sufficient, and the outward force from uncoiling might be sufficient. Using less stiff type of hose will make installation much easier.

Tie the elastic string tightly to a washer.

Illustration when installed. In actual situation, the seat post would cover until the base of the caster wheel stem, and the elastic string should be slightly stretched.

Illustration when installed, viewing from the top, inside the "seat post".

Illustration when installed.

Testing: When stretched to near maximum, the inserted part should stay in place.

Illustration when installed, dangling, for comparison with the previous stretched pic.

The "stopper" before reversely coiled.

Completed product.

Son can ride a bicycle!

2014-07-02T17:26:00.000+08:00

On 29 June 2014, last day of his P1 holiday, I was putting back a 12" steel kids bike given by a neighbour so that we can discard it for someone else to use. He hadn't had good time with this much heavier and taller bike while training wheels were fixed on, as he has been enjoying his wooden balancing bike much more. Thus, when he was asked a few days ago he said he didn't want this bike. However, as I put on the rear rack and the kick stand, without the training wheel, and asked again if he would like to ride on it, he said yes. So we went downstairs, to an open, flat and sheltered space.

There, initially I asked him to position the pedal so that he could start pedalling off. After some attempts, this didn't seem to work, partly because the chain kept dropping off with this sudden assert of force on the pedal. Ironically, another neighbourhood kid of his age, who hasn't yet able to ride a bicycle, suggested to push first then step on. So, he tried that and after some attempt, he could pedal and balance for more than 2 m. Upon see this, I concluded he has learned how to ride.

I think the short distance was mainly due to the chain was very loose and kept dropping off. Later, than I realized the problem was because when I fixed the rear wheel earlier, I didn't ensure the chain is taut, which is not necessarily when there is a rear derailleur, but this is a single speed bike, the first that I have ever meddle with. Now that this issue is resolved, I am eager to see him ridding a bicycle.

Update: Confirmed he can. The night this blog post was published, he showed his ability to ride a bicycle to my dad.

My Bicycle Commuting - Is this a norm of taxi drivers? (2)

2014-04-02T19:00:00.000+08:00

Here is the first two accounts: Is this a norm of taxi drivers? (1)

(on 2 Apr 2014)

My Bicycle Commuting - Some experiences can't be shared

2014-03-26T15:30:00.000+08:00

There are lots of experience sharing by cyclists who have been "saved" by the helmets. I believe there are also many cyclists who don't wear helmet hadn't experienced any events where a helmet could have saved them. However, virtually none of the latter would want to share that, even touching woods with as much skin as one could. Also, sharing such is not helpful. Thus, this is not a helpful post :P

My Bicycle Commuting - Diagonal Pedestrian Crossing?

2014-03-25T17:30:00.000+08:00

The junction between Balmoral/Anderson/Stevens road is one of the many uniquely Singapore junctions. There is no pedestrian crossing across Stevens on the west side, probably because most cars from Balmoral Road waiting at the junction will be turning right into Stevens Rd. Furthermore, there are two long periods for cars travelling straight along Stevens Road and those that are making right turn into either Balmoral or Anderson roads. All these lead to long wait for most pedestrians, and it is quite common for many to cross this junction diagonally. Currently, doing so is illegal, but I think quite safe because of the followings:

The time allowance for the two right turns for cars along Stevens Road into Balmoral and Anderson roads is sufficiently long.
The right turn from Stevens Road into Anderson Road is not at the junction, but some distance from the junction, giving a wide space between the outer curves of the two right turn paths.
Although the junction is not small, but the diagonal distance between the two corners (north and south) are not too far.

(on 20140325)

Feedbacks on some other installations near the Aljunied BWR

2014-02-12T11:48:00.000+08:00

Zigzag blockage
Not exactly zigzag as bicycle just need to be ridden through it diagonally. It has some use in slowing down but I still think the potential hazards it creates are much more than its benefits. Anyway, I guess some would still use the cement covered drain portion (on the west side) and the grass patch (on the east side).

The blue/white bollards and chain

As the PCN hit Merpati Road, there is a pair of alternating blue/white painted bollards with chain blocking off. This is new to me. Older Google Streetview show it was black/yellow previously. I'm not sure why and the meaning of blue/white paint. Here, I find the chain is too thin and might be missed out as some may not notice the bollards as the opening is quite wide.

The distance markings

I like the distance markings. Previously it wasn't clear the direction relevant to the distance labelled. This one is quite clear to me.

Sheltered walk way
The roof of sheltered walk way are not very heavy, and I think just have support on only one side should suffice. Especially on narrow pavement like the one along Aljunied Road here. Yes, cycling on pavement is [still] not legal, but the crowdedness would be worse if bicycle users obediently dismount and push on pavements.

Aljunied Road Pedestrian Overhead Bridge Bicycle Wheeling Ramp

2014-02-11T15:11:00.002+08:00

My feedbacks after a recce ride to the bridge along Aljunied Raod with BWR

Channel

Photo credit: Danny Juriah Chay

I find the channel is quite redundant, regardless of its width. Anyway, it should be more about the depth rather than the width. I have seen such add-on in some European countries, and those are like 5 cm deep [protruded] trench, or 5cm tall wall besides the "channel" (I think like there is a similar one at Yio Chu Kang Shell station, Punggol PCN).

The current shallow channel cannot guide the front wheel, while I don't think there is a need for it on the rear wheel. If in case this was to tackle the infamous curvy ramp on the now demolished bridge across Braddell road, then I think no need, as that problem was due to the curving down inward ramp.

Actually, I find those (I think there is one along Serangoon Road near Kallang River) with the slanting surface, where the current railings are mounted, is extended inwards nice, no need the groove/channel. The main issue is the tilting and the steepness, and I think tilting can be solved by redesigning the railings (see Qn 2).

Slope

The slope is ok for my current fitness and the foldable bike I was pushing, but I don't think the weaker/older one can manage well.

Surface

Although the painted surface looks slippery, but I tested a little and it was good when dry. Not sure how would it be when wet.

Tilt

Tilt of bicycle is ok, BUT why should there be a tilt. I noticed the lowered hand rail to a height below the height of most bicycle handle bars. I wonder is it feasible to have the railings mounted outside, at the side or underneath the stairs, and if need to curve outwards? This way, I believe the bike can be much more upright.

Another issue is with the "flatness" of the railings. Currently, although for the most part the paddle is not touching the railings, but one will need to take care to tilt the bike more to avoid the main supports of the railing, that are protruding inwards.

Will I use the BWR?

In this particular case, no. Because it is easier and smoother to use the pedestrian crossing a short distance north of the bridge.

In general, no. Because for this design the bicycle easily knock on the railing, and at this angle the strength I need to use is not much lesser than if I were to just carry it up or down. Also because it is quite easy/convenient to carry foldable bicycles by resting the saddle on the shoulder.

Also, if it was intended to have the ramp on only one side, then I will only use it when it is on my right side. Because I (and I think most people) dismount to the left of the bicycle, and to use a ramp on the left is inconvenient.

From slope to flat

I think the connecting between ramp and flat ground can be improved. I would suggest a wider mouth or curve route at the turning part to remove the need to position the bicycle before the next stairs.

Another little suggestion is to have a curve up instead of the current angled design where an impact is felt when pushing up from the ground on to the ramp.

Other wheel users

However, even if this works perfectly for bicycle, the other wheel users are still being neglected. Thus, why not just add a traffic light crossing here, synchronized to the two at both sides. This way I don't think it will delay the traffic.

What is the vision?

More fundamentally, the problem here is that what is the problem/issue that is being targeted, and is it the correct issue to be focused on? I guess NParks concern is to connect the PCNs, which are meant for recreation. Thus, from the perspective of recreation, maybe there is no strong need to ensure everyone (old, weak and kids) to cross over to the next PCN. LTA's concern is to have smooth (and moving) traffic, thus, getting as much non-motorized objects away from the roads has been their approach. Thus, adding a traffic light crossing that is on-demand based or synchronized to the existing traffic lights is quite unlikely although this will help the old/weak/young while not slowing down traffic much. Basically, whoever, if any, is taking care of bicycle commute is not doing their job or has no power/resources to do it.

My Bicycle Commuting - A route into Toa Payoh from Thomson Road

2014-01-29T20:30:00.000+08:00

It is usually quite boring to show a cycling clip, but this one has a lady on a fixie or single gear, and my guess is she was commuting.

(on 20140128)

My Bicycle Commuting - Is this a norm of taxi drivers?

2014-01-23T19:00:00.000+08:00

On the next morning after I watched a video of an accident involving a taxi that was making a right turn, I encountered two taxi drivers who expect me to slow down or stop as they force their way out to make a turn.

(on 20140123)

My Bicycle Commuting - A week after NParks enforcement act

2014-01-23T17:00:00.000+08:00

Last Friday I saw NParks enforcing the "No Cycling" rule besides Toa Payoh Garden but there are still many who ride across this bridge. Obviously such enforcement is ineffective, waste of resources, and targeting at the wrong people.

(on 20140122)

I understand that there are complaints and maybe even incidents/collisions between bicycle and pedestrians. However, there are also many bicycles passed by pedestrians without any issues. Probably there are less than 1% incidents/collisions verses more than 99% safe passing. And for the fault of those minority cases, probably by reckless bicycle users, the other 99% suffer.

How about NParks follow LTA's style? I notice in many places, when it is deemed dangerous to cross a road, railings and obstacles were put in place to forbid pedestrians from crossings. However, I hope LTA does what NParks is doing, to conduct more enforcements to catch reckless drivers, while NParks redesign the bridge and ramp to send out matching signal. Don't build something so inviting, conducive and safe for cycling but legally disallow it. I wish they allow it legally since even speed limits is based on the 85 percentile rule, and I am sure much more than 85% bicycle users find it safe to ride across here.

My Bicycle Commuting - Someone with red blinker in front

2014-01-22T13:09:00.000+08:00

I saw this guy with red blinkers placed at front and back of his bicycle along Holland Road. I tried to tell him he should not have a red blinker at the front, but couldn't manage to get the message across.. :( (20140121)

My Bicycle Commuting - Imagine some of these car drivers ride a bicycle instead

2014-01-08T21:30:00.000+08:00

Slow traffic along Tanglin Road is common in the peak hours. It always feel good to ride pass cars in jams :)

(20140108)

My Bicycle Commuting - a walkway across the Green Corridor

2013-12-20T17:30:00.000+08:00

A new walk path was built joining Biomedical Clove to 79 Commonwealth Dr car park allowing those working in Biopolis to walk over to Tanglin Halt market for food. It also allows me easier passage across the Green Corridor. Less bumpy for the bike, and avoid the narrow curvy Portsdown road with speeding cars. (20 Dec 2013)

My Bicycle Commuting - a new way to come down from Mt Faber

2013-12-15T23:19:00.000+08:00

Being lazy to ride down towards west when I am heading somewhere on the East, so I explored another way to come down from Mt Faber.

Quite a number of flights of stairs to walk. (15 Dec 2013)

My Bicycle Commuting - a patient taxi driver

2013-12-14T18:10:00.000+08:00

The patient taxi driver got honked at by the impatient driver behind. (13122013)

My Bicycle Commuting - What's the rush?

2013-12-11T12:44:00.000+08:00

The driver saw me, and just because my bicycle can't cause harm to him, he just ignore me, the stop sign, and continue turning his car out. Sigh... a big eat small world. (11122013)

My Bicycle Commuting - a quiet road "destroyed" by this sports car driver

2013-12-06T16:17:00.000+08:00

Supposed to be a quiet and safe road, but this driver turned it into a race track! Sigh...
(5 Dec 2013)

My Bicycle Commute - Almost kenna fined

2013-12-05T14:30:00.000+08:00

Finally I met him. I noticed many push their bicycles across this bridge and I kinda expected this encounter. I suspect this person is deployed here to catch/warn cyclist on the LTA S$1000 fine rule of riding on a wheelchair friendly bridge. So, I took the opportunity to ask him about the rationale of the heavy fine, and I think he has no idea. (5 Dec 2013)

My Bicycle Commute - was it me?

2013-12-04T16:00:00.000+08:00

Along Causcaden Road this morning a taxi honked angrily at a car. I wondered could it be me that the car that wanted to make a left turn was not fully in the left turning lane? This led the taxi driver behind to think that he could move ahead to make the left turn, until the car driver signaled left, and the taxi driver switch on head light, attempted to squeeze through but failed, and honked angrily at the car driver. (4 Dec 2013)

My Bicycle Commuting - does honking make an illegal act legal?

2013-11-18T08:01:00.002+08:00

In a recent case (the Vivo case) where a cyclist rode on the lane markings of the right turn lane, many argued that he should have ridden on the right turn lane instead. I reasoned that he might have had some bad experiences before when ridding in the lane. A likely scenario is that some cars could have overtook him from the left and cut in dangerously. Last Thursday evening I experienced this!

In his rush to make the turn before the lights turn from green to red, this NUS internal shuttle bus driver overtook me from the left, made the right turn in between the left turning and right turning lanes, and think that a short horn gave him the legal rights to do this! (14 Nov 2013)

My Bicycle Commuting - in long sleeves and pants

2013-11-12T00:30:00.000+08:00

Is Singapore too hot for bicycle commuting? Not really, especially in the morning before 8:30 a.m. (5 Nov 2013)

My Bicycle Commuting - I saw the Segway commuter again

2013-11-11T13:26:00.000+08:00

He was on his way to Gleneagles Hospital. Is he a MD? (5 Nov 2013)

My Bicycle Commuting - USB rechargeable rear lights

2013-11-10T00:06:00.000+08:00

Recently decided to switch to USB rechargeable lights as this would remove the worry of battery running out and keeping enough but not over stocks at home. However, the rear light failed to work properly after a couple of days.

The light will either dimmed or off after awhile without any triggering event.

Meddled with it for another two weeks and identified the issue that a connection on the circuit board is broken. By clamping a small wire on the board, I have, at least temporarily, solved the problem. It has been working for half a day, though only a short ride to buy dinner during this time.

My Bicycle Commuting - worry for them

2013-11-09T08:00:00.000+08:00

These two whom I believed are from PRC ridding bikes with no rear lights at night, and moving off abreast but the man on the outside right wobble outwards and kenna honked at. The driver must have prepared for that. Instead of drive slower and wait a very short while that won't lengthen his travel time, especially when three of us are at the junction, he/she preferred to honk at the opportunity to do so. Hmmm.. (30 Oct 2013)

My Bicycle Commuting - will I be stomped?

2013-11-08T08:30:00.000+08:00

Saw a guy in a taxi using phone to take a picture of me. I had a shock. Was I being stomped? I hope not.

After watching the clip I think more likely he is a tourist and was just snapping the new Zhongshan Park or building/mall/hotel behind me. (1 Nov 2013)