Category Archives: bike2work

Thinking About Trying Cycling to Work or School? Here’s Why Now’s a Great Time

By Francis Chu/Perplexity AI, 1st, August 2025

Maybe you’ve seen the new cycling paths criss-crossing Singapore, or you’ve spotted colleagues arriving at work with a little extra energy. If you’ve ever wondered whether cycling to work or school might actually be possible — even for someone “normal” who isn’t a sporty type or a die-hard cyclist — you’re not alone.

Recently, I asked the Love Cycling SG group a simple question: is cycling to work becoming more popular? The answers surprised me. They weren’t just from cycling fanatics, but from everyday people, of all ages and backgrounds, who decided to try two wheels for their daily commute.

Cycling to work in Singapore was considered impractical in 2023, yet with the increases of cycling paths, it is becoming possible for more people in 2025.

Cycling Is Easier Than You Might Think

You don’t need special gear or a fancy bike to get started. Some community members ride just a few kilometers — about the same distance as from your HDB to the MRT. For them, cycling takes about the same time as the bus, but with more freedom, fresh air, and often a better mood on arrival.

Worried about sweating? Several people said short rides at a relaxed pace don’t need a shower at all — sometimes just a quick freshen-up. For longer commutes, workplaces with showers are ideal, but many have found creative ways to manage even without.

What If You’re Not “Sporty”?

Many cycling commuters are regular folks with regular jobs and families. Some use cycling as an easy way to fit gentle exercise into a busy day, without having to make extra time for the gym. Others simply like starting their day with a calm ride instead of a crowded train.

It’s about going at your own pace, choosing the most comfortable route, and not stressing about being fast or athletic.

Saving Money, Stress, and the Planet

Beyond fitness, cycling can help you save on transport costs. You avoid peak hour crowds, enjoy time in green spaces, and have flexibility that taxis or buses can’t offer. Every bike trip, even just a couple of days a week, is a small step towards a cleaner, less congested Singapore.

Barriers Exist, But Solutions Are Growing

Yes—weather, safe parking, and showers at work or school can be challenges. But the number of paths, facilities, and supportive employers is growing quickly. Some choose to cycle the “last mile,” riding from home to the MRT, then hopping on the train for the rest.

The key advice from experienced commuters? Start small. Try a weekend ride to your workplace—see how it feels. Ask at your school or office about bike parking and showers. Borrow a friend’s bike, or use a shared bike to try out a route. Even a short trip can be a pleasant surprise.

You’re Not Alone

Perhaps most importantly: there’s a real community out there, happy to share friendly advice—be it tips on avoiding the heat, safe routes, or simply encouragement. The daily “mundane” bike commutes that might seem impossible to you now have become routine for hundreds of Singaporeans.

Give It a Try!

If you’ve ever wondered about cycling to work or school, there’s never been a better time to take that first step (or pedal!). Start with one day a week or a part of your journey. You might be surprised at how easy—and enjoyable—it can be.

I hope to see you out there, enjoying the breeze, discovering new parts of Singapore, and maybe even arriving at your destination with a smile. Who knows? Your story might inspire someone else to give it a try too.

Ready to roll? Your next commute might be your best yet.

Bike lanes in Singapore, Ya or Nay?

STA survey about Bike Lanes

STA survey about Bike Lanes

I was surprised to see my Photoshopped photo appear on the Facebook page of STA. I’m even more delighted to learn that they are conducting a survey to get public views about bicycle lanes on Singapore roads.
Here is the question they posted:

Bicycle lanes in Singapore, Ya or Nay? Motorist seems to have a very negative view on cyclists on the road why is that so? Share your view with us?

3 lucky comments will be selected to win a mystery prize each. Entries close on Friday, 13/2/2015, 12 pm.

However, the most enlightening part are the views expressed by many people, and supported by the most “Likes” for example:

Woon Taiwoon: Cycling can help reduce traffic jam. If you look around you when u drive, how many cars are vacant with only drivers. Imagine when 10 percent of the car drivers convert to cycling. Thats alot of cars OUT OFF the roads.

Now I know cycling as a form of commuting might sound crazy but it is really possible. If there are bike lanes, I am very sure many will chose this eco friendly and happier alternative.

Joanna Peck: personally, I think an excellent first step would be to show on the bus lanes that bicycles are allowed there. This would take minimal effort on the part of authorities to implement.

for the future, I’d love to see a cycling lane network established in Singapore. Where people can cycle from place to place with ease instead of navigating a hodgepodge mixture of road, PCN and pavements.

Brenda Woo: Yes, we need a bicycle lane in Singapore! Whether it’s on the road or side of the road as long as it makes every road users safe while commuting. Motorists may have a negative view of cyclists on road largely because there isn’t a dedicated lane for bicycles and sometimes for the cyclists’ own safety they have to take a whole lane, esp. at turning junctions… If everyone shares the road and everyone knows what to expect, there can be mutual respect amongst all commuters.

Petia Garmadon: More bicycles less cars no jams.

Francis Chu: This particular photo is showing that under current traffic rules, bicycle is allowed on Bus Lanes: http://www.lta.gov.sg/…/road…/road-regulations.html
I think putting a bicycle sign on Bus Lane is a very good start for the following reasons:
1) Some motorists saw cyclists on bus lane and is upset that the cyclist is “breaking the law again” but in fact that’s not true.
2) Some cyclists though they are not supposed to ride on bus lane and decided to ride on the second lane, which is more dangerous and slows down the cars there.
3) Bus drivers todays are properly trained on how to share the road with cyclists.
Putting down a bicycle sign on Bus lane does not affect current rules and is an effective start to make cycling more visible as a mode of transport.

There naturally some are not too sure about having bike lanes on Singapore roads:

Keith Dot Lee: I am not cycling on the road because our road width did not cater for bicycle. Hence a danger to cycle on road. Further, the law is not in favor of the cyclist. So the ball is with LTA. Cater for it first.

But Keith is quickly convinced by the following responses:

Dennis LH Cheong: Actually, after having some cycling in some other cities (with longer history), you should find that our (non ancient) roads have relatively wide left lane catered for buses. This features, which I didn’t know until recently, actually allowed me to have been bicycle commuting since 1996.
Francis Chu: We actually measured ~ 100 road width and we found more than 70% of the roads are wide enough to cater for a 1.2-1.6 meter bike lane.
Keith Dot Lee: Oh I see. Thks for sharing.

And fianlly there are a few nay sayer:

Matthew Lim: nay!!! have you seen the traffic in the bus lanes. its likely to be a road hazard. cars, cyclists and busses are not meant to share the same lane.

To find out what the responses Matthew received? check the STA page here:
https://www.facebook.com/STA.inspection/photos/pb.414822601971575.-2207520000.1423650878./724602577660241/

Cycling in Singapore get a big push from the goverment

Looking back, it was less than one year since LCSG ride with Minister Khaw last year (link). During that ride he told me that he consider bicycling as an important mode of transport for a livable future Singapore. Under his ministry, URA, NPark and HDB are all working to make cycling an easier choice for the common*.

Therefore I was really excited to read the Minister’s post “4 wheels good, 2 wheels and 2 legs even better” on October 22:

We must now go beyond cycling for recreation. We want it to be a viable transport option for short trips to the supermarket, coffee shop, hawker centre or the nearest MRT station. To do so, we must make such trips safe and pleasant.

But how can we make the bicycle trips safe and pleasant?

Perhaps Ms Irene Ng, MP of Tampines, the first Cycling Town in Singapore, has some solid ideas. She made a 20 minutes long speech yesterday in the Parliament to call for a National Integrated Cycling Strategy and Policy Framework. 

The question now is how to move from good intentions to coordinated policy, and from policy to practice. The answer lies in a national integrated cycling strategy and policy framework which has specific, measurable targets, fosters cooperation between government agencies, and supported by adequate and sustained funding.

 

There are many good observation of the current problems and constructive ideas of how to move forward. Follow this link to the entire speech.

cyclingfinalireneng.3_Nov_2014

 

*Note: NPark pioneered the concept of PCN, or Park Connector Network. Today there are over 200km PCN, which is the backbone of a comprehensive leisure cycling network all over Singapore.
URA, or Urban Redevelopment Authority,  lay down the Master Plan in 2013 defining a more sustainable approach towards a “car-less”, “bike-more” future. URA has been chairing the National Cycling Plan Steering Committee too. HDB, the Housing Development Board, build flats for 70% of the population. It’s traffic calming design of estates are mostly friendly for cyclists and pedestrians.