The Land Transport Authority (LTA), SMRT and SBST will allow foldable bicycles on board trains and public buses during off-peak hours under a trial run starting on May 24.

LTA said in a statement on Wednesday that the trial was one of the several initiatives announced during the Land Transport Review to meet different transport needs. LTA added that it also recognised the increasing trend of people cycling for sports and recreation.

During the trial period ending on Nov 24, cyclists can bring foldable bikes on MRT/LRT trains during off-peak hours on weekdays, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

The bus trial will last only three months - from May 24 to Aug 24, during which foldable bikes will only be allowed on buses all day on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

LTA said that the restricted hours of the bus trial was due to space constraints on buses.

Mr Jeremy Yap, LTA's Group Director for Vehicle and Transit Licensing said: 'While catering to the needs of cyclists, we also want to ensure the safety and comfort of other commuters...Cyclists and other commuters are encouraged to be considerate and make way for one another so that more people can use our public transport system to meet their diverse travel needs.'

Trial gudielines
LTA said that the foldable bicycles should not exceed 114cm by 64cm by 36cm when folded. The wheels of the bicycles should be wrapped up if they are dirty or wet.

Only two foldable bicycles are allowed onboard a bus at any one time during the trial.

On trains, LTA said cyclists should use the first or last car, which is less crowded.