MRT lines are not the only method of reducing commuting time to work. Wide cyclist-friendly paths are mushrooming in neighbourhoods all over Singapore. They are all part of the National Cycling Plan that will link the entire Singapore with park connectors and cyclist-friendly paths, so people will cycle to work and not merely for recreation. Ang Mo Kio is the first housing estate to be fully fitted with bike paths.
The new cycling network will include a 2.6 km cycling and walking corridor along the MRT viaduct between Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and Yio Chu Kang MRT station, besides expanding the existing cycling network by 16 km. The cycling path will also link the North South Corridor as an option for residents who would like to cycle straight to the city from their homes. The cycling paths will also provide connectivity to the Ang Mo Kio Thomson-East Coast Line MRT stations. With bicycle parking facilities conveniently located at the MRT stations, first and last mille connectivity is further enhanced.
Nestled within the urban landscape of Singapore lies a vibrant haven for enthusiasts of mountain biking. The scenic chestnut trails and Bukit Timah Mountain Bike (MTB) trails beckon riders of bikes with their challenging terrain and lush greenery. Passionate cyclists flock to these trails every weekend, forming a tight-knit group that is bonded by their shared love for the sport. They explore the passions and motivations that drive them to life on two wheels.
Bike enthusiasts could often be spotted with their mountain biking buddies tracking through Bukit Timah MTB Trail, which is an intermediate-level trail.
Every rider adheres to the unspoken rules of the sport, and understands the significance of respecting both their fellow cyclists and the trails, clearly communicating their intentions, giving way to hikers or other users of trails and yielding to faster riders.
Getting to work on two wheels
It was shocking to see the recent statistics from the Land Transport Authority which shows that under 2% of commuters chose to cycle as their primary mode of transportation. Singapore should be an ideal haven for cyclists with its extensive Park Connectors Network (PCN) and cycling infrastructure.
In March 2023, the Land Transport Authority announced a Friendly Streets Initiative, aiming to transform neighbourhoods into more pleasant spaces for cyclists and pedestrians. This initiative together with an increase over the past few years in cycling paths, convinced some people who did not even own a bike to attempt to cycle to work.
45-year-old Mrs. Jhoi Tan has been cycling to work over the past year since she started returning to her place of work on a more regular basis, and has been noticing several cyclists along the same route that her bus takes. Being a part of the local cycling Facebook group West Coast Riders, she realised that cycling to work was possible, and initially rented a bicycle from a bike-sharing app, to try out her route over the weekend. She said she wanted to check how long it would take her, if there was heavy pedestrian traffic, or if there were a lot of potholes. She added that it would help to discover which side of the road to ride, in order to be more time efficient. Sometimes you could start by cycling back home from work instead than cycling to work. The return trip will remove any pressure of getting to the office on time while familiarizing the rider with the same route on a weekday.
Cycling is a viable mode of transport to get to work. It could be the solution to a less hectic commute if you want to avoid the standard slot into work. For those who commute in Singapore summing in a traffic jam or being squeezed into an MRT carriage, it may be time to consider cycling to work, as it could add some essential ‘me time’ for yourself during the day.
The secret to a smooth ride is efficient route planning, with amenities and rest points placed strategically along the way. This would enable cyclists to navigate the city comfortably with the proper gear, following safety tips, and ensuring an energizing and smooth start to the work day.
