More will be done to make Singapore a cycling nation.
By
Maria Almenoar
These paths will either be up to 2m wide dedicated ones or clearly marked lanes as part of pedestrian footpaths. -- ST PHOTO: LIM WUI LIANG
RESIDENTS in five neighbourhoods will be the first to get cycling paths under a $43 million programme.
Tampines residents will get theirs by the second half of this year while paths in Yishun will be built by next year. Sembawang, Pasir Ris and Taman Jurong will also get cycling paths later.
These paths will either be up to 2m wide dedicated ones or clearly marked lanes as part of pedestrian footpaths.
Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Transport) Teo Ser Luck announced these cycling friendly measures in Parliament on Thursday during the budget debate on Transport.
He was responding to MPs Irene Ng (Tampines GRC), Cynthia Phua (Aljunied GRC), Wee Siew Kim (Ang Mo Kio GRC) and Ang Mong Seng (Hong Kah GRC) who raised concerns over cyclists' interactions with pedestrians and other motorists.
Noting that Singapore had some way to becoming a 'cycling nation', he revealed other initiatives to move Singapore in that direction.
First, the foldable bicycle scheme on public transport has been approved after a six-month trial period.
These bikes will be allowed on buses and trains during off-peaks periods from 9.30am to 4pm and after 8pm on weekdays and all days on weekends and public holidays.
Only one bicycle is allowed on a bus any one time and an unlimited number on trains.
Other initiatives include 823 additional bicycle racks at three MRT stations and new safety signs on popular cycling routes.
