SINGAPORE - From July this year, building developers will have to factor in the "safety, convenience and accessibility" of pedestrians and cyclists into their designs.
They will have to provide facilities such as bicycle parking, shower rooms and lockers, and locate vehicular routes away from those frequented by pedestrians and cyclists to ensure their safety.
Walking and cycling routes from key transport nodes will also have to be reviewed, and provisions made for covered linkways and safe crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.
These measures were announced on Tuesday (May 3) by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
They are part of the Government's latest push to make active mobility modes - such as bicycles and electric scooters - more viable transport options.
The Walking and Cycling Plan (WCP) that developers will have to submit, will help create a "safer, more accessible and people-friendly environment for all", said the two agencies in a joint release.
LTA's chief executive Chew Men Leong said more could be done to improve safety and connectivity for those who do not drive.
"Often, we see pedestrians and cyclists having to negotiate traffic across driveways, or service roads before they can enter the developments. There is also room to improve supporting facilities such as bicycle parking and a good signage system, as these facilities can also play an important part in creating a seamless experience for pedestrians and cyclists," said Mr Chew.
The WCP will apply first to commercial developments, such as shopping complexes, offices, business parks, as well as schools, where high pedestrian and cyclist traffic is expected.
The WCP was first announced last month during the Budget debates in Parliament, and it is part of a raft of measures to help Singapore go car-lite.
Said URA CEO Ng Lang: "Making Singapore friendly to people travelling on foot and other forms of light personal mobility devices is an important part of our planning for liveability going forward."
