Cycling in Singapore

Is Singapore a heaven for cyclists? Strait forward answer is NO.

Cycling is fun for few and it is a transport medium for many. Anyway cycling is great thing to do in many aspects. First and foremost, it is a very good exercise for the busy life style of Singapore. Secondly it saves the environment by not polluting the air and also saves the energy for the future needs.

Is there any dedicated cycling lane available on the roads of Singapore? Not really. I believe the government is struggling to find space to widen the roads for motorists. The cyclists are expected to pedal along the extreme left lane on the roads. A major complain from the cyclists is the discourtesies acts of the big motor vehicle drivers, which requires a very careful riding on the roads but still considered dangerous.

SBS Transit has communicated with their bus captains to be more considerate to the cyclists on the road. The cyclists think that they are treated better now by the buses.

Obviously cyclists choose the pedestrian paths as alternative to the scary roads. Until now cycling in the pedestrian paths are illegal in Singapore and you may be fined up to 1000 dollars. But don’t worry; soon the rules may be changed!!! Even now the authorities do not fine the cyclists as it reduces the accident rates in general compared to cycling on the roads.

Pedestrians complain that the cyclists are too fast and they even hit into them. Many pedestrians are given a mini heart attack by a sudden bell ring just behind us while walking on the paths. While cycling on the pedestrian path, speeding is very bad act as people may walk zigzag manner and the cyclist may end up hitting them. At the same time, don’t curse the cyclists; they do it because they are worry about their life on the road.

In some of the parks, there are dedicated cycling paths. But they are all mostly occupied by the joggers and moms with prams. Not only that, the way they look at the cyclists when you try to maneuver them is very bad. Let us be courtesies to the cyclists.

I saw a dedicated cycling lane in Tampines recently, which connects from Bedok Park to Pasir Ris Park. This is great. There is a separate pedestrian lane next to it and hopefully the pedestrians let the cyclists use their dedicated line.

Cyclists are asking for a facility in train to carry the bicycles so that they can do cycle-MRT-cycle to office for work.

There are many cycling association in town and you may want to get into them for more details and advice.

Numerous cycling details in Singapore such as cycling routes, cycle shops, park connectors, cycling clubs, forums etc can be found here at http://www.cycling.org.sg/links_cycling%20in%20singapore_files/cycling_in_singapore.htm

Another interesting tips website is http://safecycling.org/. This is talking about wearing helmet and maintaining distance from other motor vehicles and how to look out for pedestrians in crossings.

Do you ride bicycle? What do you think?

Please share your comments.