Cycling in Singapore

Singapore Sports Council's Safe Cycling Guide

noreply@blogger.com (Sivasothi) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 07:05:00 +0000

I just learnt of this lovely 48-page pdf booklet which various groups contributed to. It is a great resource for cyclists starting out and a great read even for cyclists who have wandered the streets for some time.

I have placed a copy at: http://tinyurl.com/safecyclingsingapore

I first saw a link to this guide posted on the Safe Cycling Task Force (SCTF) blog [link] which has begin to get populated with posts. I'm looking forward to more!

Westward Ho! A safe ride on the Western Park Connector, which links eight parks

noreply@blogger.com (Sivasothi) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:13:00 +0000

While the debate about cycling to work ensues, the quiet and continued improvements to the park connector network promise to enhance the leisure cycling population of Singapore in the years ahead. After almost two decades, there is a safe way for the leisure cyclists to take to the streets and it is a cause for celebration!

If a path near your home has the PCN mark, rest assured you have a link to much wider and safe routes. Eventually this number will venture to the roads and join the call for better conditions on the road for cyclists and help to ponder the solutions.

Ever since I heard that eight parks in the west were connected, I have been itching to give the Western Park Connector Network a twhirl. So two Sundays ago I headed out and the critical new addition? A bridge over the PIE! Now it is possible to cycle from Ghim Moh to Choa Chu Kang and Dairy Farm - all without fighting traffic! Yes, there is a safe reason to dust off that old bicycle now.

My fellow Zendog, Chi had scouted the route and along with Cat, Airani and Aaron, we took a slow ride (average speed 13km/h) through the Western PCN. Despite the lack of a sea view, athe western route is topographically more interesting than the coastal part of the eastern PCN, which connects Pasir Ris to Fort Road.

Our route that day included Dairy Farm, Bt Batok, Jurong, Choa Chu Kang, Pang Sua, Bt Panjang and Zhenghua. The links are smooth and much of the route is shaded. The government has certainly invested a lot of money in the PCN and it was quite a privilege to enjoy the ride! It's surely time for the average Joe to buy a bike and enjoy the plantings, routes and scenes - touring the neighbourhoods would definitely be an eye-opener for people from other parts of the island.

Zendogs are pretty familiar with the west, but even for us there are always new things and people to observe - a man was quarreling with a crow, whom he said had pecked his head. When we left he was still brandishing his slipper - and the bird was following him - quite a personal altercation!

There are some pedestrian clusters through which you have to ride slowly or even dismount unless skillful enough to ride at a walking pace. Interestingly, people at these clusters were comfortable with our bikes, with no signs of nervousness that is sometimes observed elsewhere. We rode slowly, of course, extending to pedestrians the sort of courtesy we would like to receive from vehicles on the road. Since we were at a walking pace in some instances, we could even chat with some pedestrians!

All along, the route was well signposted. The connections were really easy to make as well.

The Hillview Park Connector is a converted pavements for most of its length which run past condo entrances - these require cyclists to be alert about vehicles entering and leaving their premises. Since it was a quiet morning, I switched to the wide road, a better option here, I felt. Thankfully, most of the connectors are alongside rivers (canals) and MRT tracks - these were heavenly!

I only had an hour's sleep the night before and had a lingering cough but the rest had assured me a comfortable ride. True enough, I enjoyed the ride and covered 46km. The last bit through Zhenghua Park heralds the end with a rustic feel complemented by the design of the benches and playground and the type of plants - rainforest tree species which were planted, for a majestic future.

So what are you waiting for? Buy a bicycle and tour the west! In future the other PCNs will just as well be connected up. When the PCNs are then all linked, a leisure cycling paradise awaits you. It will be a great way to get to know Singapore. Meanwhile, my verdict? Five stars, out of five!

Links

Photo album of my ride - link

NParks: Park Connector Network - link

(Cyclists) Victims usually have themselves to blame

noreply@blogger.com (Chu Wa) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:27:00 +0000

By Neo Chai Chin, Today Online, 13 Jan 2010. chaichin@mediacorp.com.sg

SINGAPORE — More often than not, cyclists are at fault when it comes to fatal or serious road traffic accidents involving them.

This has been the case in more than 50 per cent of such accidents between January and September of the last two years, said Senior Parliamentary Secretary of Home Affairs Masagos Zulkifli in Parliament yesterday.

Common causes for the accidents include changing lanes without due care, failing to keep a lookout, and failing to give way to traffic with right of way.

He was replying to Tampines Member of Parliament Irene Ng’s query on how roads could be made safer for cyclists.

Despite the recent spate of news reports about cyclists involved in accidents, Mr Masagos said the number of fatal and serious accidents had gone down.

In the first nine months of last year, there were 420 cases, a decrease of 30 cases from the same period in 2008.
The Traffic Police are also proactive in taking errant cyclists to task, issuing 471 summons in 2008, and 1,300 summons in the first nine months of last year.

The Traffic Police’s public education efforts include talks and exhibitions in schools, and showing videos to foreign workers. Learner drivers are also taught to keep 1.5m from cyclists and to check their blind spots for cyclists and motorcyclists, Mr Masagos said.

-----------------------

Chu Wa: "This is a wake up call for those who cycle carelessly. But it is not an excuse to NOT consider to make the road design more safe for cyclist -- What about the rest of the "accident"? Those who cycle carefully, follow the rules, and still get killed or hurt? Do they have to blame themselves as well? bad luck? Certainly the current road design can be improved to provide safer space for cyclists."

Ed's note: "Oral Answer to Parliamentary Question on what is being done to prevent accidents involving cyclists," 12 January 2010. Ministry of Home Affairs "Home Team Speeches" (see Paul Barter's comment below).
----------------------------------

Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong:

To ask the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs given the recent accidents involving cyclists on roads, what is being done to:

(i) improve safety on roads for cyclists;
(ii) educate motorists that cyclists have a right to be on the roads;
(iii) condition motorists to look out for cyclists.

Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Mr Masagos Zulkifli:
In the first nine months of 2009, there were 420 fatal and injury accidents involving cyclists. This is a decrease of 30 cases, or 6.7%, as compared to the same period in 2008. The number of fatal accidents in the first nine months this year has also decreased to 15, from 18 in the same period last year.

2 Investigations show that for fatal and serious road traffic accidents involving cyclists over the first 9 months of both 2009 and 2008, slightly more than 50% of the cyclists are found to be at fault. The common causes of accidents where the cyclists are at fault are namely changing lane without due care, failing to keep a proper look out, and failing to give way to traffic with right of way.

3 The Traffic Police has been educating the public on safe cycling habits as well as the proper sharing of roads by cyclists and other road users.

4 Traffic Police conducts road safety talks and exhibitions at schools and community-level events to educate all cyclists on traffic rules and regulations. These talks cover a pre-riding checklist, safe cycling tips and case studies of accidents involving cyclists. As part of the on-going “Road Safety Outreach Campaign”, posters and leaflets on cyclist safety are also handed out during these talks and exhibitions. To reach out to foreign worker cyclists, Traffic Police produces and screens a safe cycling video in different languages at the Ministry of Manpower premises and at the dormitories.

5 Motorists also have a significant role to play on our busy roads in according due care to cyclists. This is underscored from the onset of a learner driver’s theory and practical training. Motorists are therefore taught to give a side clearance of not less than 1.5 metres from cyclists when passing them. Motorists are also taught not to make sharp turns at corners and to slow down and give way to cyclists if it is not safe to turn. It is a strict requirement for trainees to check their blind spots during driving instructions and tests. This is to ensure that drivers are aware of motorcyclists and cyclists who might not come within their mirror views.

6 While Police will continue in their efforts to educate the public and take the necessary enforcement action, all cyclists and motorists must play their part and take responsibility for their own safety as well as according due care to the safety of other users of our roads.

"When the lines are fuzzy and nobody has the right of way"

noreply@blogger.com (Sivasothi) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:00:00 +0000

"Be a cyclist in Singapore? No chance at all." By Tan Hui Yee. The Straits Times, 04 Jan 2010.

IT IS a sight that would make the skin of any driver crawl: A weathered old lady hurtling down the road's fastest lane on a kamikaze bicycle ride against the flow of traffic.

Kamikaze Auntie is usually found in the central districts of Singapore. She is robust enough to ride her bike without wobbling, but old enough to give you a tongue-lashing if you dare tell her she is riding dangerously. After all, it is illegal to cycle on footpaths in Singapore, she will snarl.

Against this backdrop, drivers probably felt nothing but relief when Tampines town announced last month that it was going to be the Republic's first cycling town. The two-wheelers would be given space on expanded footpaths so they could ride safely and legally alongside pedestrians.

But this has got some pedestrians all worked up. At work one day, I was treated to a long tirade from a colleague about the looming threat of gory deaths in Tampines as reckless cyclists mow down hapless residents.

'Look at what it is like in East Coast Park,' she cried. 'That is what it is going to be like in Tampines.'

Singapore's most popular seaside park is home to a whirlwind of high-speed cyclists, in-line skaters, joggers and campers. Jaw-dropping pile-ups are common there, as unsuspecting park strollers stumble into the paths of speeding skaters or cyclists.

It is true that dangerous cyclists are a hazard both on roads and on footpaths. Kamikaze Aunties aside, there are also clumsy cyclists who wobble along the road at low speed, as well as professional-looking athletes who are apt to weave from road to footpath, or vice versa, on a whim.

These cyclists stand little chance on the roads in a country known for bad driving. At least 15 cyclists lose their lives each year, many to drivers who feel that the roads belong to cars - especially their car.

The fact that the Land Transport Authority has resisted calls to build proper cycling lanes is probably one of the reasons that Tampines is expanding its footpaths for cyclists.

Still, the simmering debate begs the question: Do cyclists belong on the road or the footpath?

It is an issue which no amount of finger-pointing is going to resolve, but recent road traffic experiments in Europe might hold a clue.

In the bustling Dutch town of Drachten, the authorities have removed traffic lights, road markings and some pedestrian crossings. Lane markers are absent and there are no kerbs separating the street from the pavement. It is not clear who has the right of way, nor how fast drivers can go.

Conditions which most people would presume cause anarchy have produced the opposite effect: Traffic moves smoothly as drivers slow down to gauge the intentions of cyclists and pedestrians. All parties make eye contact with each other as they negotiate their usage of the ambiguous space. In short, the street has turned out to be safer for everybody, precisely because nobody has the right of way.

The Drachten experiment may be too out of this world for a place like Singapore, where there are clear rules telling people where they can eat and how to wash their hands. But the principles that apply in Drachten could well apply - in reverse - in East Coast Park.

Traffic engineer Hans Monderman, who reworked Drachten's roads, believes that clear lanes and street signs give drivers a false sense of security. Drivers speed down these lanes thinking there are no obstructions, which increases the severity of accidents should something catch them unawares.

According to Mr Monderman, lowering speed limits does not help if all other visual cues tell the driver that the road ahead is clear.

Which explains the pile-ups on the cycling paths in East Coast Park. The dedicated trails give cyclists the impression that they have the right of way and prompt them to throw caution to the wind.

Instead of erecting speed limit signs and slapping yet more penalties on errant cyclists, perhaps the authorities should be looking in the other direction. Perhaps the spaces - be they walking or cycling trails or secondary roads - should not be so clearly demarcated in the first place. (Note, here, that expressways are not part of this discussion, as such high-speed roads perform a key function in the transport system.)

After all, if footpaths are meant for pedestrians, and cycling paths are meant for bicycles, where should skateboarders and in-line skaters go? Where do motorised wheelchairs fit in, for that matter, or zippy two-wheel Segways, which are neither bikes nor wheelchairs?

How can the Singapore transport system accommodate a growing list of mobility gadgets in a meaningful way, without further cramping the available space we have?

Bus lanes need not exist if motorists gave way to buses on the roads. Similarly, cycling lanes would not be needed if motorists took care when overtaking them on the roads, and if cyclists themselves looked out for the safety of pedestrians in their way.

It might sound counter-intuitive, but the journey ahead could be a lot smoother if every road or path user had to learn to negotiate the space with every other user.

When the lines are fuzzy and nobody has the right of way, there could be just enough space for everybody, even Kamikaze Auntie.

NTU Bike Rally 2010 - Sun 21 Feb 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Sivasothi) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:21:00 +0000

The much-awaited 128km round-island NTU Bike Rally has been announced to be on Sunday 21st February 2010. A new feature in next year's race is an optional 168km route - two additional loops to Tuas and the Causeway which will be open for a short window to the faster cyclists.

Many NTU students participate in the rally using rented bikes and pedal under a hot sun for 128km - that makes for a tough challenge but also lots of company along the entire stretch. The feeling of accomplishment for these cyclists is indeed considerable.

The registration fees are $15 for NTU Student/ Staff/ Alumni, and $23 for members of the public. Registration closes on 7th February 2010. See: http://bikerally.ntusportsclub.sg/

ST 14 Dec 2009 - "Tampines set to be first cycling town"

noreply@blogger.com (Sivasothi) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 09:28:00 +0000

"Tampines set to be first cycling town," by Jennani Durai. The Straits Times, 14 Dec 2009 Successful trial and new infrastructure pave the way for shared footpaths.

Tampines GRC MPs (from left) Masagos Zulkifli, Ong Kian Min, Sin Boon Ann, Mah Bow Tan, Irene Ng and North East district mayor Teo Ser Luck waving to say 'thank you' during the launch of the Tampines Safe Cycling Clinic yesterday morning. The two-hour clinics, conducted by volunteer cycling wardens, will teach cyclists traffic rules and cycling etiquette. -- ST Photo: Ashleigh Sim

"FROM March 1 next year, footways in Tampines will be shared by pedestrians and cyclists alike as it becomes Singapore's first cycling town.

A two-year trial to see if this could be safely done has been successful, the Tampines MPs said yesterday.

The Members of Parliament said the trial found that very few cyclists rode recklessly, and a majority of residents - 53 per cent in 2007 and 65 per cent this year - supported the sharing of walkways.

The Group Representation Constituency (GRC) has been working with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and the Traffic Police since May 2007 to assess the feasibility of making Tampines a model cycling town, said MP Masagos Zulkifli.

'Cycling is an environmentally friendly and healthy mode of transport and Tampines, being a compact town, is an ideal choice,' he noted.

With Tampines MRT station as a focal point, the farthest block is only 2km away. He said: 'With facilities, schools and shops in close proximity, more and more residents are choosing bicycles as their preferred mode of transport to travel about in Tampines.'

The trial was sparked by a 2005 parliamentary debate in which Tampines GRC MP Irene Ng called for cyclists to be allowed to ride on footways, in the light of an increasing number of them having been involved in fatal accidents on busy roads.

But the decision was conditional on three key features - infrastructure, education and enforcement - being implemented together, said Mr Masagos.

The GRC began widening footways to accommodate both pedestrians and cyclists. The town council also constructed two new stretches of bicycle paths, and the LTA will be building 6.9km of bicycle paths in the first half of next year.

Yesterday also marked the launch of the Tampines Safe Cycling Clinics, funded by the North East Community Development Council. The two-hour clinics, conducted by volunteer cycling wardens, will teach cyclists traffic rules and cycling etiquette.

The clinics are an initiative of North East district mayor Teo Ser Luck, who set up the Safe Cycling Task Force for the Tampines project. He lost a friend, Mr Sylvester Ang, to a cycling accident in 2004. 'His wife said to me, don't let his death go to waste,' he recalled.

As a further check, Mr Masagos said the by-laws would be amended to allow the Tampines Town Council to hand out fines of between $50 and $1,000 to errant cyclists. Reckless cyclists can also be taken to court and fined up to $5,000.

The by-laws will ensure that errant cyclists do not ruin the system for the majority of safe cyclists, said Minister for National Development and Tampines MP Mah Bow Tan.

Residents hope this will be the case.

'Footpaths are where you would feel safe from cars, but if you add cyclists to the paths, you have to always be alert,' said student Penelope Teo, 22.

But Mr Mah is confident that conflicts between cyclists and pedestrians will be minimised in time. 'The message we want to give cyclists is that the pedestrians have the right of way. If you want to behave like a motorist, go on the road,' he said."

jennanid@sph.com.sg
--- end ---

To read more, see the older articles here about Tampines - link and the ST Discussion Forum - link.

"Copenhagenisation"

noreply@blogger.com (Sivasothi) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:44:00 +0000

"Bicycle-friendly Copenhagen a model for big cities," by Henriette Jacobsen. Reuters, 14 Dec 2009.

COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - The world is gathered in Copenhagen for the U.N. climate summit, but Denmark"s bicycle-friendly capital has also given its name to a movement of cities trying to find a kinder way to commute.

Nearly 40 percent of Copenhagen's population cycle to work or school on ubiquitous paved cycle paths. Many residents take to their bikes year-round, braving rain and snow through the winter in a city where the bicycles outnumber the people.

"Only when there's half a meter of snow outside would I consider using the underground," said 24-year old student Louise Kristensen.

Amsterdam and Beijing too are known for their bicycles, but the Danish capital is where urban planners from around the world have been looking for ways to get their people out of cars and up onto bikes, an effort known as Copenhagenisation.

"We're trying to strike a balance in our transportation network which means having streets that can accommodate everyone," New York Transport Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan said.

Klaus Bondam, Copenhagen's technical and environmental chief, calls himself a "mega cyclist" and says the bike's popularity stems partly from high taxes on cars which meant working-class Danes could not afford to drive in the 1930s and '40s.

"Today you'll meet everybody on the bicycle lanes -- women and men, rich and poor, old and young," Bondam said.

The municipality has during the last three years invested more than 250 million crowns ($49.42 million) in bicycle lanes and to make the traffic safer for bicyclists.

City Hall has also made a rule that when it snows, the bike paths get cleared before car lanes.

Today around a third of the population drive cars to work or study, another third take public transport, while 37 percent cycle -- a figure the city aims to boost to 50 percent by 2015.

Bondam said there are many benefits when citizens choose bicycles over cars: pollution and noise decline, public health improves, and more people on bikes or walking creates a sense of safety in the city.

Fewer parked cars leaves more space for playgrounds, parks, shopping areas and other useful public amenities.

Bondam said car traffic should be limited, though a car-less society is probably impossible. However, cars that cannot be avoided should be electric rather than run on fossil fuels.

COPENHAGENISATION

From 70 to 80 percent of the world's carbon emissions, blamed by scientists for global warming, come from big cities.

As more and more people have become concerned with the climate, officials from around the world have come to Copenhagen to learn about its bike culture.

But Danish architect and professor Jan Gehl, who coined the term Copenhagenisaton, says the concept is broader than that and entails cities becoming lively, safe, sustainable and healthy.

For the past decade Gehl has helped cities around the world, including New York, Seattle, San Francisco, London, Stockholm, Oslo, Melbourne, Sydney and Amman, to "Copenhagenise."

"Depending on culture, region, climate and topography, there are good solutions for every city," Gehl said.

He noted that in most parts of the world car travel has only been common after the Second World War.

"Sixty years is a short time in the greater perspective, so people should be able to change their habits once again," the architect said.

New York has initiatives to improve the look, feel and mobility of its streets, according to Sadik-Khan.

For instance, in the last three years, the city has installed 200 miles of bicycle lanes to boost safety for cyclists and pedestrians and has transformed old railway land into public spaces to improve the quality of life in residential and business districts.

"The response has been tremendous, and we hope to keep the momentum going by expanding it next year," Sadik-Khan said.

From 2008-2009 the city saw a 26 percent increase in bike commuting, and a recent survey in Times Square and Herald Square found that 93 percent said the plazas made the area a better place and one to which they wanted to return.

Gehl said that making cities better for pedestrians and cyclists is even smarter in poor, fast-growing developing countries and cities because it is cost-effective.

"It's a good solution for the climate, the economy and the poor," he said.

Though many officials want citizens on bikes for climate reasons, back in Copenhagen, Kristensen said: "Biking is just the easiest way to get around here."

($1=5.059 Danish Crown)

Thanks to WildSingapore for the alert!

Safe cycling

noreply@blogger.com (Sivasothi) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:25:00 +0000

Adrian Loo took this photo during our recent ride to Changi Village for breakfast. Despite a long hiatus from cycling, all this gear is a standard part of my cycling kit so there was no trouble assembling them the night before.

Photo by Adrian Loo

My rear light, a fairly new Cateye TL-LD610, refused to work when batteries were once again inserted, but happily I had a Sigma Cuberider to take its place - while Singapore streets are quite well-lit, the bright, blinking red lights alert drivers to your presence.

Updated to include a few missing items and a comment about distance to kerb. I should really add side and front-views (have them somewhere) and update this further.

Recent cyclists accidents' revives discussion

noreply@blogger.com (Sivasothi) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:51:00 +0000

"3 accidents in a day: Cyclists concerned," by Mavis Toh. The Straits Times, 12 Dec 2009. Drivers say cyclists ignore rules, but the latter say motorists are impatient

THREE accidents involving cyclists on Thursday have reopened a longstanding debate between motorists and cyclists over the issue of safe cycling on roads here.

A 35-year-old cyclist died after he was hit by a lorry in Bedok South Road.

In Tampines Street 81, a 64-year-old cyclist was seriously injured when he was involved in a collision with a lorry.

Another accident in Clemenceau Avenue saw a motorcyclist seriously injured after he was in a collision with a cyclist, who escaped with abrasions.

Police are investigating all three accidents. But the debate has already begun.

Motorists are frustrated with cyclists who they say road hog and switch lanes abruptly, often without regard for traffic behind them. The cyclists, however, say motorists are impatient and often drive too close to them and too fast, especially when overtaking.

In the first nine months of this year, there were 15 fatal accidents involving cyclists. There were 22 such fatal accidents each in 2007 and last year.

Former national cyclist Kenneth Tan, who cycles daily to his workplace in Thomson Road from his Woodlands home, said the hour-long ride is often dangerous.

A year ago, he was flung off his bicycle when the passenger door of a truck was suddenly opened as he was cycling past. He was warded for three days with serious injuries to his arm.

'The bus drivers are more considerate, but other drivers now tend to go faster and come very close when they overtake,' said Mr Tan, 42.

But marketing manager Tanya Tan, 34, said drivers were not always to blame.

She recalled an incident two weeks ago when a man in his 40s cycled on the centre lane of a three-lane road in Toa Payoh at less than 20kmh. 'All the cars had to slow down and there were several near misses,' said Ms Tan, who drives to work every day.

Under the Road Traffic (Bicycles) Rules, cyclists should ride close to the left-hand edge of the road so as not to obstruct vehicles.

In the first nine months of this year, the Traffic Police issued more than 1,300 summonses to cyclists flouting traffic rules, compared to 471 summonses for the whole of last year.

Most were fined for failing to ride in an orderly manner or cycling on footpaths. They were also fined for changing lanes without due care, failing to keep a proper lookout, and failing to give way to traffic with the right of way.

Many of the drivers and cyclists The Straits Times spoke to were also unclear about the traffic rules concerning bicycles. Several drivers said cyclists should get off the roads and ride on footpaths instead. But it is illegal for them to do so.

To ensure safety, several cyclists suggested that a cycling lane be introduced. Said Mr Adrian Mok of the Safe Cycling Task Force: 'We can mark out smaller lanes on existing roads or widen pedestrian paths for cycling.'

But a Land Transport Authority spokesman said that, given Singapore's land constraints and the need to optimise available land space to meet the needs of all road users and pedestrians, it was not feasible to provide dedicated lanes for bicycles on the road.

Currently, there are cycling tracks off the road in five towns - Tampines, Yishun, Sembawang, Pasir Ris and Taman Jurong.

Mr Tan Jin Thong, president of the National Safety Council of Singapore, wants to make it mandatory for cyclists to wear helmets and abide by bicycle rules. mavistoh@sph.com.sg

Additional reporting by Linus Lin

"Save lives by having separate lanes," letter by Daniel Chan. The Straits Times Forum page, 14 Dec 2009.

"LAST Saturday's report highlighting accidents involving cyclists ('3 accidents in a day: Cyclists concerned') once again brings the issue of safe cycling to the fore.

There were 15 fatal accidents involving cyclists in the first nine months of this year, and one wonders how many more fatal accidents there must be before the authorities sit up and take notice.

While cyclists do not threaten the safety of motorists, the lack of space for motorists to pass cyclists safely only adds to the frustration of driving. Also, a lack of policing has allowed some cyclists to flaunt traffic rules at their own whim and fancy.

Clearly, something must be done to accommodate the increase in numbers of both cars and cyclists on the roads. As the statutory board that spearheads land transport developments in Singapore, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) must take cognisance of both the safety of cyclists and the frustrations of motorists.

It is no longer tenable nor persuasive for the LTA to reiterate that Singapore's land constraints make it unfeasible to provide cycling lanes. Cities such as London and New York, which are as densely populated as Singapore, have successfully introduced cycling lanes. The benefits are obvious: Traffic flow will not be impeded by slow bicycles, while cyclists will be shielded from dangerous traffic. Other countries like France have made it illegal for cars to overtake cyclists without a gap of 1.5m.

The experiences of other countries make it clear that positive action can be taken to better accommodate both cyclists and motorists in Singapore. LTA's unwillingness to take action has frustrated all road users."

Daniel Chan

"Cyclist recalls close calls on the road," letter by James Wong. The Straits Times Forum page, 15 Dec 2009.

"I REFER to yesterday's letter by Mr Daniel Chan ('Save lives by having separate lanes'), regarding safety of cyclists on Singapore roads and the number of fatal accidents involving cyclists.

I am an avid cyclist who cycles once or twice a week. Last Saturday morning, I was almost run down by a taxi driver.

I was cycling along East Coast Road at 6.15am. Suddenly, a taxi travelling in the opposite direction turned right into my path to pick some passengers standing on my side of the road.

Had I not slowed down to avoid the taxi, I would have been knocked down. I confronted the taxi driver but instead of admitting his mistake, he challenged me to a fight, all the time shouting at me that I had no right to be on the road.

I have had a few close calls on the road and most of the time, taxi drivers have been the culprits. They stop suddenly to pick up a fare, make illegal U-turns, or cut two or three lanes to drop or pick up a passenger. Bus and truck drivers are the other bullies.

My bicycle has a bright flashing headlight and tail light. There is no way I cannot be noticed. It is just that most motorists feel cyclists do not belong on the road and have no right at intersections.

Many cyclists use Changi Coast Road on weekends. Although there are many speed regulation strips along this stretch, many motorists use this road to test the speed limit of their cars.

I hope the Traffic Police will not wait until more cyclists are killed before they install speed cameras there.

I also suggest that the Traffic Police and the Land Transport Authority put up more conspicuous signs to remind motorist to look out and give way to cyclists. Some signs are already there but they are not conspicuous enough.

Cyclists also share some of the blame. Some cycle at night without proper lights and do not follow the Highway Code. Traffic Police should make it mandatory for bicycles to have headlights and tail lights all the time, with a stiff penalty for failure."

James Wong

Traffic Police reminds cyclists, bikers to be safe

noreply@blogger.com (Sivasothi) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:14:00 +0000

Traffic Police reminds cyclists, bikers to be safe - Today Online, 15 Dec 2009.

"SINGAPORE - The deaths of several cyclists and bikers in the past two weeks has spurred a reminder from Traffic Police for road users to be vigilant.

On Saturday, two best friends died when their motorcycle was hit by a car along Bukit Batok Road. On Dec 10, a cyclist died after being hit by a lorry along Bedok South Road. The same day, another cyclist died after being hit by a lorry along Tampines Street 81.

Accidents involving cyclists and motorbike riders can result in dire consequences, Traffic Police said. The public is reminded to observe road safety including keeping left unless overtaking, slowing down when approaching a bend, not weaving in and out of traffic, and to always be alert.

Proper riding gear, preferably brightly-coloured attire, should always be worn and helmets must be strapped securely."

Cycling for a Change

noreply@blogger.com (Sivasothi) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:07:00 +0000

ST's Jeanette Wang "pledges to ditch her car for a bicycle to help fight climate change."

"Two wheels for a change," by Jeanette Wang. ST's Homeground, 01 Dec 2009.

Excerpt -

We sit and read about nations and what they are or are not doing to help the situation. But what are each of us doing individually to contribute to positive change?

Sure, I've been making a conscientious effort to reduce, reuse and recycle: Take my own bag to the supermarket, resist printing unnecessary e-mails, collect plastic bottles for recycling.

But what more can I do?

That question led me to my decision to give up my car and commute by bicycle, at least until Christmas. That resolution began today. As I type this there is a bicycle parked in my cubicle and cycling clothing and shoes hanging under my desk.

It's not all about global warming, though. Cutting greenhouse gases can also be a boon to human health by reducing deaths from cancer, strokes and heart disease, according to a report by The Lancet journal published last week.

Walking and cycling more, and driving less are among the easiest ways people can lower the output of CO2 and methane gas that also curb the global disease burden, said the study. Other easy ways: switch to cleaner-burning stoves and reduce meat and dairy consumption.

Link

Follow her blog over the next 24 days as she documents her experiences of bicycle commuting! Some of the comments from readers are helpful too. Link

"Two Wheels for a Change" (01 Dec 2009) - link
"The logistics of bicycle commuting" (07 Dec 2009)- link
"More cyclists, fewer accidents" (15 Dec 2009) - link
"Ride more, drive less in 2010" (24 Dec 2009) - link

Green Wheelers pre-Climate Conference Ride, 29 Nov 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Sivasothi) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 10:30:00 +0000

From the GreenWheelers site:

" We hope to encourage more Singaporeans to consider utilizing traveling alternatives that are environmentally-friendly - why should we remain ignorant of OUR Planet’s plea for help and continue polluting the environment with greenhouse gasses with our cars when there are greener alternatives?

Considering the size of Singapore, it should not be a challenge to adopt such alternatives - people in larger nations are now willing to adopt these green traveling habits despite having to travel over long distances.

What is Singapore waiting for?

Perhaps it's the weather, perhaps it's the worry of theft, or perhaps it's just about the hassle of bringing a change of clothes.

In conjunction with the Climate Conference in Copenhagen, G.Wheelers will be organising a public activity on 29 November 2009, a week ahead of the meeting in Denmark.

Come join us the Xtreme SkatePark at East Coast Park at 2 p.m. on Sunday, 29 November 2009, where we will share our cycling and urban skating tips. We want to encourage minimising the usage of motorised vehicles. Be part of this meaningful event!

Link to facebook page.

Go G.Wheelers!

OCBC Cycling in Singapore 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Sivasothi) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 09:13:00 +0000

Eight Parks in western Singapore now fully connected (Second PCN Loop)

noreply@blogger.com (Sivasothi) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 14:03:00 +0000

Eight Parks in western Singapore now fully connected - Western Adventure PCN is the 2nd loop of park connectors to be completed; NParks media release, 25 Oct 2009 (excerpts)

Singapore, 25 October 2009 - Residents in western Singapore can look forward to a wide array of exciting recreational experiences, with the completion of the Western Adventure Park Connector Network (PCN). The 23km PCN joins eight parks in western Singapore, namely Choa Chu Kang Park, Villa Verde Park, Zhenghua Park, Dairy Farm Nature Park, Bukit Batok Nature Park, Bukit Batok Town Park, Limbang Park and Bukit Panjang Park.

It is the second loop of park connectors to be completed, after the Eastern Coastal PCN in December 2007. Five more loops of park connectors are in the pipeline. Once completed, the park connectors will form a green matrix, connecting major parks and nature sites and providing users with a choice of landscapes and distances for recreation.

Diverse range of adventures and experiences along PCN

The Western Adventure PCN offers a diverse range of recreational experiences, to cater to all types of users, from adventure-seekers to nature lovers and families. Some of the activities include:

For Adventure-Seekers
Mountain biking at Zhenghua Park and Dairy Farm Nature Park
Rock Climbing at Dairy Farm Quarry
Hiking at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Zhenghua Park

For Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
Scenic lookouts at Bukit Batok Town Park ('Little Guilin') and Bukit Batok Nature Park
Bird Watching & photography along Bukit Panjang Park Connector, Zhenghua Park and Bukit Batok Nature Park.
Butterfly spotting along Pang Sua Park Connector

For Families
Regional parks, such as Choa Chu Kang Park, offer family-oriented facilities such as playgrounds and fitness corners
Learning about a slice of Singapore's history along Hillview Park Connector (where the Ford Motor factory is a short distance away)
Wallace Education Centre and nature trail at Dairy Farm Nature Park
Leisure activities along Pang Sua Park Connector

Rich biodiversity along Western Adventure PCN

The Western Adventure PCN is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, a result of the 550 species of butterfly and birds-attracting trees which have been planted at various stretches along the PCN. They include Pang Sua, Choa Chu Kang, Choa Chu Kang North and Bukit Panjang Park Connectors.

Over 10 species of butterflies and 50 species of birds have been sighted along the PCN. The birds include the singing Zebra Dove; the Tiger Shrike, a winter visitor with tiger-like black bars pattern; and the Oriental White-eye which is characterised by a white ring around the eye. To promote awareness of the rich biodiversity of birds, NParks will be working with Nature Society to conduct bird watching activities for Singapore residents at the PCN.

PCN Programme on Track

Implemented by NParks, the PCN is an island-wide network of linear open spaces around major residential areas, linking up parks and nature sites in Singapore. It brings people closer to parks and nature areas, enhancing recreational opportunities for all and is an important part of our plans to evolve Singapore into a "City in a Garden."

To date, over 110km of park connectors have been completed, with 63km currently in construction. The PCN implementation programme is on track. By 2015, NParks aims to develop a 300km island-wide network of green corridors around the island.

PCN Friends - Active Citizenry in Action

To keep PCN users updated and engaged on activities and latest happenings along our park connectors, NParks has formed a group in late 2008 called 'PCN Friends'. NParks has sought feedback from the group members on ensuring that there is sufficient signage along our park connectors. Selected group members were also invited to test-out selective stretches of the Western Adventure PCN earlier this year.

Since 2007, NParks has establishing a common identity for PCN to guide and inform users through standardised signboards, directional signs, PCN streetprints and destination markers.

Thanks to WildSingapore!

Traffic policing for bicycle safety ON THE ROADS (video)

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Barter) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:23:00 +0000

This video includes fantastic advice for traffic police on enforcing road rules in ways that promote cyclists' safety.

It targets both driver and cyclist behaviour.

Traffic Enforcement for Bicyclist Safety from Chicago Bicycle Program on Vimeo.

Unfortunately our road rules in Singapore lack many of the bicycle-friendly features that are present in Chicago.

Despite all the obvious differences, this video would be a great model for Singapore's authorities to think about if they wanted to push for safer on-road cycling here in Singapore.

Mass Cycling event for Green Transport Week

noreply@blogger.com (Sivasothi) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:20:00 +0000

As part of Green Transport Week, a Mass Cycling event will see cyclists ride down from ECP and WCP to SMU on Sat 22 Aug 2009.

Find out more at: www.greentransportweek.sg

Beware of bike theft?

noreply@blogger.com (Sivasothi) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 11:58:00 +0000

The figures for "theft and related crimes" in 2009, in comparison to the same period for 2008, reflect a ?mere 2.5% increase [see SPF figures]. However, Today's reporter has chosen to highlight bicycles in his article.

BIcycle theft has long been known to Singapore cyclists with Kembangan receiving special mention in this blog and a a reference to a 2005 initiative to combat bicycle theft. So it's been going on for along time and as a result, cyclists like me never take my eyes off my bicycle, nor will I lock keep it outside my house in a car park.

This report, in deciding to highlight the issue once again, should help to keep us on guard!

"Lock up your bikes - theft is on the rise," by Leong Wee Keat. Today Online, 07 Aug 2009.

ONE cyclist removed his mountain-bike's saddle and seat-post. Another cyclist covered his bicycle with a piece of cloth. Both locked their prize rides outside their homes. And both had them stolen in the first six months of this year.

The number of thefts rose slightly in the first half, a fact the police attribute to the economic downturn. There were 10,280 cases, or 246 more than in the same period last year. The increase in petty thefts notably involved items such as bikes, handphones, accessories and toiletries being stolen for personal use or to be sold off for cash. Bicycles, for instance, were often nicked from common areas such as void decks, corridors and at MRT stations.

In fact, on online forums, it is common to see users posting photos of their missing rides and appealing for information. Some have claimed their stolen bicycles, or at least their parts, surfaced at second-hand bazaars.

How to deter bicycle thieves? The police advise, for instance, locking the bike to a fixed permanent structure such as an anchored rack, and not resting the locking device on the ground thieves could use a hammer to smash it.

One crime-fighting initiative, rolled out by the Bukit Timah Neighbourhood Police Centre, imprints a registration number on the bicycle's body using a tamper-proof tape. This has helped officers to determine ownership, deter theft and return the stolen property to its rightful owner.

But such petty thefts aside - and contrary to fears that the overall crime rate would rise along with desperation levels during a recession - the overall crime rate in the first six months actually fell by 1.3 per cent. Though the number of housebreaking incidences rose, the figure is still the second lowest recorded in 15 years for first-half statistics.

...

Survey on bicycle lanes for Singapore

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Barter) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:44:00 +0000

Via http://abetterride.wordpress.com/ a survey by a Singaporean student at LSE:

If you live or have lived in Singapore, it’d be great if you could do the survey. Whether you cycle or not, I’d like to hear from you. Got 15 mins to spare? Click here.

More numbers on safety in numbers

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Barter) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 07:32:00 +0000

On 6 June I wrote about the safety-in-numbers effect.

There are some more numbers corroborating the effect from London, Copenhagen and the Netherlands. See this post on the "How we drive" blog.

Unsafe ignorance versus dangerous ignorance

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Barter) — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:30:00 +0000

A survey by the AXA insurance company paints a picture of ignorance and recklessness among Singapore motorists.

The finding that struck me most was that only 23% knew the speed limit that applies on most ordinary streets and roads (the ones that don't have speed signs). Do you know the answer? ** Most thought that the answer was 60 km/hr.

This was reported today by the Business Times and the Today newspaper (here and here). AXA surveyed over 500 Singapore motorists, including around 100 taxi drivers.

Large percentages also admitted to various dangerous acts, such as:

Driving more than 10kmh above the speed limit (63 per cent)
Tailgating (47 per cent)
Overtaking, turning or switching lanes without signalling (46 per cent)

So few Singapore motorists have the high moral ground to attack bicycle users for their bad behaviour. Yet we do see many forum letters about bad behaviour by bicycle users in Singapore (like this one yesterday). Many online comments on these letters tend to demonize cyclists.

Of course, many cyclists ARE woefully ignorant of even the basics of safe cycling. But think ... What is the main result of unsafe cycling?

Answer: injured or dead cyclists are the main result. Cyclists are the main victims of their own ignorance or recklessness.

I don't want to deny that inconsiderate or negligent cycling can pose some hazard to others, especially to pedestrians. But we need a sense of proportion about the danger from bicycles. It is tiny compared with the danger from motor vehicles. Yes, bad behaviour by cyclists is a problem. But it is a problem primarily for the cyclists themselves.

Let us admit that BOTH motorists and bicycle users in Singapore have a frightening lack of awareness about road safety and road rules.

But while ignorant cyclists make themselves unsafe, ignorant drivers make the roads dangerous for everyone.

** Answer: 50 km/h is the speed limit on ordinary streets and roads without explicit speed markings. Did you get it right? If motorists stuck to this speed cycling would be much safer here.

Safety in Numbers

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Barter) — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 06:48:00 +0000

Cycling seems rather dangerous in Singapore. So are we crazy or irresponsible to be promoting more bicycle use?

I think not. The more people use bicycles the safer it will become for each individual bicycle user.

New York City cyclists seem to be getting the benefits of safety in numbers after some years of increases in the amount of cycling (and some effort to make it safer). This image comes via Streetsblog.

That there is safety in numbers for cyclists and pedestrians was the (more scientific) finding of a 2003 paper in Injury Prevention journal by Peter Jacobsen, which found:

A motorist is less likely to collide with a personwalking and bicycling if more people walk or bicycle. Policiesthat increase the numbers of people walking and bicycling appearto be an effective route to improving the safety of people walkingand bicycling.

The safety in numbers argument reassures us that we are not being irresponsible to promote more cycling.

Green Transport @ Envirofest 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Sivasothi) — Wed, 27 May 2009 09:18:00 +0000

Chu Wa with his JZ88 foldable bike next to the Singapore Environment Council's booth at Envirofest @ HDB Hub, Toa Payoh, 23-24 May 2009.

Thanks to boonsong for the photo!

Ride of Silence Singapore - impressions from a car window

noreply@blogger.com (Sivasothi) — Thu, 21 May 2009 07:09:00 +0000

The Ride of Silence Singapore was held yesterday, Wed 20th May 2009 with cyclists gathered at Merlion Park at 7pm. I was unable to join them but instead observed the half the ride route from a car window. Several of my friends from Zendogs and Cycling in Singapore were riding do I knew I could exchange impressions with them later.

For me the ride meant commemorating Kroxy, an NTU student who was senselessly killed in 2003. He was the last man of a group riding back to NTU and was tragically run over at Jalan Bahar by a drunk driver just before the group turned into the relative safety of NTU.

I never knew Alvin Boey personally but he was a promoter of cycling in Singapore like many of us. I always think of him when I ride NTU's Round Island Bike Rally and each time I pass Jalan Bahar on the way to Lm Chu Kang or Sungei Buloh. The Ride of Silence is a good way to commemorate his spirit and to me it s a reminder that cyclists and motorists need to work at sharing the road safely.

The rest of this was posted last night on my personal blog and is reproduced here for the record. You can read all the posts on Ride of Silence (Paul Barter, Yap Chi Wei and mine) by clicking the "ride of silence" label. See also other impressions by:

mrbrown,
Azam's life,
wang writes.

Meanwhile congratulations to the organiser for bring this event to reality!
My friends went down after work to Merlion Park today for the Ride of Silence Singapore. They reported a large turnout and cyclists were released in groups of about 10. We dropped in on the cyclists just as they left Merlion Park to thread through the city before heading out west to loop around Holland Village.

The route required them to make a few lane shifts and navigate through small, busy roads (see route). By Holland Road, the groups found the space and momentum to be tighter. The video clips below show two groups riding up the Holland Road slope before they head down through Orchard Road. Note how the first group is more disciplined about keeping to a single file. It was nice to see the groups crunch up the slope in silence with a few nods of heads to us as they cycled past.

From the short time we spent following the groups along the first half of the route, a few things were obvious:
- White is striking at night! An all white t-shirt or jersey as ordered ("dress in white") would have really made the group stand out. The mixed coloured jerseys that some persisted in wearing are not noticeable and quite unsuitable or night cycling.
- Rear helmet lights were prominent and in fact, critical for congested roads where cyclists ride in close proximity to motorists. However, few cyclists had rear helmet lights. The rear seat lights are less useful in these situations as they are more noticeable from afar.
- Many were using pretty decent front white blinking lights. Surprisingly some were actually riding without front lights.
- The few passerby-cyclists without lights were practically invisible to traffic!
- Quite a number of cyclists were clueless about navigating lane changes safely - their timing and hand signals left much to be desired. Wish they sign up for some practical training somewhere, the sort motorcyclists get in preparation for their Class 2B license.
- The ride was supposed to be a slow-paced ride. But I think I'd be hard-pressed to keep up with some groups who were whizzed past!
I'm sure there will be more on my cycling lists later tonight and tomorrow. Hope it will help the organisers next year. Meanwhile, see news from Rides of Silence around the world and tweets from cyclists gearing up or after their ride.

Some of my photos from the ride are on Flickr; see also VR-Zone.
"Cyclists join thousands worldwide in Ride of Silence," by Tan Yew Guan. Channel NewsAsia, 20 May 2009.

SINGAPORE: About 200 cyclists gathered at the Merlion Park on Wednesday evening to embark on a one-hour ride through Singapore's roads. They joined thousands of others in a world wide movement.

Called the Ride of Silence, riders went at a slow pace throughout the 19 kilometre route.

At the same time, they maintained silence amid the roar of traffic in honour of those killed or injured in traffic accidents while cycling.

Last year, at least 20 people died in such accidents.

The first Ride of Silence rolled off in Dallas in the United States six years ago.

Then, it was just a gathering of one thousand cyclists to mark the death of a fellow cyclist who was killed by a school bus mirror.

Throughout world, from Hong Kong to Spain and all across the United States, cyclists in over 200 locations are taking part in similar rides.

Organisers hope that the event will make drivers more aware of the presence of cyclists on the roads. - CNA/vm

Ride of Silence Singapore - Chi Wei's impressions

noreply@blogger.com (Sivasothi) — Thu, 21 May 2009 06:34:00 +0000

Before midnight, Yap Chi Wei wrote to Zendogs (our cycling group) to recount the events of the night. I reproduce it here with his permission:

"I estimate that just over 400 riders turned up for this ride. Everyone gathered pretty much on time and the first group of 12 riders were flagged off at 7.20pm. With so many riders, the organiser(s) ran out of outriders/volunteer ride leaders after about 20 groups. So the rest (groups 21 onwards) had to wait for the lead pack to return to recycle the ride leader! This was accepted with mild groans here and there.

Catherine and I did a Zendog [our cycling group legendary for taking food beaks] and adjourned to the nearby Coffee Bean for some pasta and puffs. With our hunger assuaged, we rejoined the remaining mass of bikers and got flagged off well after 8pm.

Our ride grouping started out well but soon fell apart although the volunteer guide tried to keep things together. Inevitably, some of the group split into smaller groups without ride leaders. Some, who had not studied the route, got separated. But we continued on, sometimes joining groups that we caught up with and at other times, falling back due to traffic lights.

Along Holland Rd near the Botanics, a group of young riders on heavy jump bikes started to stand and sprint up the hill with little regard for traffic on their right. This caused a Volvo XC90 SUV to mount a center divider trying to avoid them! I don't think these kids even knew why they were there. It was more like a fun ride for them, yelling and screaming. So much for silence.

There were also unicycles in another group, which should not have been there as they had to struggle to keep up, did not have appropriate lighting, and it was harder for them to handle the evening rush hour traffic.

Ride of silence almost became a ride of attrition.

The good thing that the majority were well behaved. Motorists seemed to be quite tolerant of the large groups of riders on the road and there were very few horns directed our way.

We peeled off somewhere near High Street to head back to her office to pack her bike into her car. I rode back on the road. Total distance for me was 43kms.

The ride leaders from Joyriders were volunteers and roped in at the last moment to assist. They did the best they could, with some riding two loops of the route. Kudos to them.

Going to bed now..."

Ride of Silence Singapore report

noreply@blogger.com (Paul Barter) — Thu, 21 May 2009 02:11:00 +0000

The Singapore Ride of Silence last night had a great turnout and was a lot of fun! There was festive atmosphere at the Merlion as everyone waited their turn to set out.

It was wonderful to feel the safety-in-numbers effect of riding in a large group.

My group had about 40 and there was little choice but to claim a whole lane (but only one!). Singapore law does not condone riding two or more abreast but it seemed the safest approach with such a group. It quickly became obvious that tempting motorists to squeeze into the lane with us was a bad idea. Fortunately, the motorists around us seemed to accept this and mostly behaved very patiently. The ride was all on multi-lane roads and the peak traffic seemed to be over so I saw no congestion resulting from the ride. I was at the front and tried friendly waves to as many passing motorists as possible with a mouthed 'thank you' and got a few thumbs up signals back.

Mr Brown has a report too and estimates 400 riders, which was about my guess too. The Joyriders were carefully counting so I guess we will hear the real number sooner or later.

Otterman (Sivasothi on this list) has a report with a couple of video clips of groups on Holland Rd.

Well done Joyriders and Benoit for organising the event and for getting so much positive press coverage.