Forum: Oil crisis a good reason to boost cycling network

The 2026 oil shock, which has seen prices rise by over 60 per cent due to the Middle East conflict, is a wake-up call for Singapore.

While the Government has rightly focused on securing energy supplies, we must also address the demand side.

As Prime Minister Lawrence Wong noted in his April 2 address, national resilience depends on all of us reducing unnecessary consumption.

The most effective way to reduce fuel demand is to let people switch easily from cars to active mobility. History shows that crises are catalysts for change. The Netherlands and Denmark built their world-class cycling networks following the 1973 oil embargo.

Singapore has made commendable progress with the Islandwide Cycling Network and “Friendly Streets” initiatives. However, the current crisis gives us a mandate to go further and faster.

We propose the rapid deployment of protected on-road cycling lanes using modular physical separators, such as bollards or prefabricated dividers. This approach is low-cost, fast to install, and can be easily reconfigured. It is particularly suited for roads with excess carriageway space.

Every kilometre travelled by bicycle instead of a car saves fuel and strengthens our national resilience.

I switched from driving to a 10km cycling commute in 2004. Beyond the health benefits, I estimate my net savings to be $16,000 a year. If even a fraction of Singaporean drivers were empowered by safer infrastructure to make a similar switch, the collective impact on our energy security and household finances would be significant.

We urge the Ministry of Transport to seize this moment to bridge the gaps in our cycling network. The habits we build today will ensure a more resilient, car-lite Singapore long after oil prices stabilise.

Francis Chu
President, Safety for Active Mobility Users