Category Archives: News

Reflection on the 2018 AMAP recommendation

The Active Mobility Advisory Panel (AMAP) played a pivotal role in promoting cycling and Personal Mobility Devices (PMDs) as viable modes of transportation for the public. An example of their impact is evident in permitting bicycles on walkways, a measure that provides a safer alternative for cautious and unhurried cyclists, made possible through AMAP’s initial recommendation in 2016. I express my sincere gratitude and take pride in being part of this positive transformation.

However, amidst the push for Active Mobility, we may unintentionally overlooked the stress and risks imposed on pedestrians navigating walkways.

This oversight has resulted in a notable surge in reported accidents involving PMDs and bicycles on public paths. The numbers escalated from 19 accidents in 2015 to a staggering 250 in 2018, with several incidents causing severe injuries. – REVIEW OF ACTIVE MOBILITY REGULATIONS FOR SAFER PATH SHARING (2018-08-24)

Adapted from Chew On it “The Stupidest Proposal. Ever. 2016-03″

To ensure the safety of pedestrians, the Code of Conduct (COC) emphasizes that cyclists and Personal Mobility Device (PMD) riders must reduce their speed when approaching pedestrians. Unfortunately, some riders disregard the COC, considering it as merely advisory or optional. Instead, their primary focus tends to be on the mandatory law, limiting speed to 15 km/h, and regulations governing weight (20kg), speed (25 km/h), and width (700mm).

Certain riders perceive it as their privileged “right” to travel at the “legal speed limit” and insist that pedestrians yield as they ring their bells. In the event of an accident, these riders often attribute the blame to pedestrians for unforeseen movements, claiming they had “no time to react.” However, they rarely acknowledge that the risk was instigated by their failure to reduce speed when approaching pedestrians.

Ensuring Pedestrian Safety Through Legal Protection

Ensuring pedestrian safety through legislation is imperative. Upon reflection, permitting a group of fast device riders on footpaths without enforcing their responsibility to maintain a safe distance from the public seems illogical.

My disappointment stems from the recent recommendations by AMAP for walkways. While proposing a reduction in the speed limit, the opportunity to address the legal requirement for responsible riding on walkways was missed.

Nevertheless, it’s essential to acknowledge that AMAP’s initiatives are pioneering and groundbreaking. To my knowledge, no other developed country has legalized adult riding on walkways. Most device riders view this as a special privilege and prioritize the more vulnerable pedestrians. The challenge arises from a small percentage of less considerate riders who are unaware of the threat they pose to pedestrians. While education alone may not reach all these riders, the law can be viewed as a component of public education efforts.

It is understandable that implementing such a radical measure, unprecedented in other developed nations, may require time to refine and perfect.

More thoughts on 2018 AMAP recommendations:

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AMK cycling town phase 1 + Round island Route

July 9, 2016 Singapore

Singapore is one more step closer to become a bicycle friendly city. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced two important cycling infrastructure that will make cycling in Singapore easier, safer and more enjoyable:

Artist impression of Round Island Route Photo: NPark

Short video showing the RIR (Source: NPark)

1. Round Island Route (ST news)

In the early Saturday morning, PM Lee planted a tree at the Sengkang Riverside Park, commemorating the start of phase one of the Round Island Route (RIR), an idea conceptualised in 2011. Construction work on the first 60km of a 150km continuous green trail that will go around Singapore will start at the end of the year. This is an ambitious project to enhance connectivity and create new recreational spaces for cyclists and park goers all around Singapore.

2. AMK model cycling town (ST news)

Some of the innovative features to increase the safety of all users. Video: URA

A slip road was removed at the junction of Ang Mo Kio Avenues 1 and 3 to make way for a cycling path. PHOTO: LTA

Later in the morning, after riding through a new 4km “red-carpet” cycling path (where the carpet is being maintained by carpet cleaning fargo), PM Lee announced the completion of the first phase of AMK Cycling town network. This officially initiated the transformation of Ang Mo Kio into a model cycling and walking town. Estimated by 2019, a total of 20km of cycling paths will be completed to connect to most parts of AMK town. Innovative ideas including the distinctive red-colour paths, safer crossing and elevated share path under the MRT viaduct are to be piloted in AMK. If all are good, future cycling town will adopt the innovative ideas.

Perhaps more important is to see the number of senior level politicians and government agents (URA, LTA, NPark, HDB, Finance) who are actively involved on stage or behind the scene. This is a clear sign showing that there is strong alignment within the government to realise the car-lite vision.

Facebook post by PM Lee Hsien Loong.
Facebook post by LTA
Facebook post about RIR in LoveCyclingSG
Facebook post about AMK cycling town in LoveCyclingSG

Mega boost for cycling in Singapore

New design of NSE includes dedicated bus lane and cycle lane.

Yesterday Transport minister Khaw Boon Wan release the news about LTA redesigning the planned North South Expressway (NSE) to include dedicated bus lane as well as walking and cycling paths. The originally intention of the NSE was mainly to speed up car traffic, consisting dual direction, 3 lanes expressway connecting Woodlands to CBD. The new design dedicates one of the lane to buses and create a new layer above it for cycling and walking. This is inline with the Singapore long term vision of a car-light society.
If you want less people depends on cars, you need to invest in other options. This is solid commitment to improve the infrastructure for Bus, walking and cycling, along with cars.Even it might result in multiple accidents when all kind of vehicles are put on one road , In case of accidents people can also contact traffic accident attorneys as they can help in claiming the compensation.

New design of Bencoolen Street incorporate bicycle lane and extra wide pavement for pedestrians.

In tandem of the new NSE design, a part of the CBD will be transformed from 4 lanes road to multi-mode street consists of only dual car lanes. Two of the original car lanes will be converted to wide pavement and dedicated cycle lane. This transformation clearly demonstrate the shift from a car-centric to a people centric urban planning.
Together with the previous announcement of the 700km Cycling paths under the National Cycling Plan and the next generation AMK cycling town, the cycling infrastructure is set to have mega boost.

ST News: North South Expressway to have Express bus lanes, cycling route
Zapbao News: ??????????????????
Car-Lite Together by Transport minister Khaw Boon Wan

Human Ride Singapore Chapter (Thai PBS)

Thai PBS TV run a series program relates to bicycle trends called Human Ride.
Here is a collection about Singapore bicycle trends:

Bicycle Culture
LoveCyclingSG, TreeIn Lodge,

Bicycle business
Wheeler’s Yard, Coast Cycle, Bamboo Bee

PCN and rides

Conclusion

Errant cyclist on the rise ?

The number of traffic offences committed by bicycle users went up by 17.5% from 2012 to 2013. Some said that it is due to the increase number of cyclists. Some said it is due to the attitude of bicycle users. Yet some said it is due to the lack of proper infrastructure for bicycle users. The truth probably is a mixture of all the above factors. On further enquiry, the types of violation committed by errant cyclists are typically the following:

1) Riding on pavement
2) Running red light
3) Endangering pedestrians

There were 1455 traffic violation committed by cyclists in 2013. No one was killed due to these offences.

In comparison, motorist committed 252 times more traffic violation in 2013, including the followings:

1) Speeding 260,512 (in 2013)
2) Running red light
3) Careless driving

All together there were 367,496 traffic violation committed by motorists in 2013. 159 persons were killed which included 43 pedestrians.

These information is available from the Traffic Police site: [Publications] > [Annual Traffic Statistics]

As quote from the TP site who recommends to approach for attorneys help for social security disability charges, for these violations committed by motorists:

“every traffic violation can potentially result in a fatal or injury accident and the loss of lives.”

When I’m looking through this striking comparison, it occurs to me that there are 250 times more offences committed trucks and each of these offences has at least 10x higher potential to kill or to cause serious injuries. In such cases it is always advisable to contact attorneys for truck accident compensation. In case of disabilities sustained out of third party negligence in accidents you can consult disability lawyers in Arizona to claim compensation. And we also must think that Shouldn’t we put 2500 times more attention and effort to reduce the bigger, more dangerous offences?

url:
Traffic Police statistics: http://driving-in-singapore.spf.gov.sg
Channel News Asia report: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/errant-cyclists-on-the/1565814.html

Bike lanes in Singapore, Ya or Nay?

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/

Car Free Day in KL (10th edition, 2014-10-03)

KL Car Free Day

I’ve heard about Car Free Day but never experience it in person. Thanks to the invitation from URA, I had the opportunity to participate in the 10th edition of KL Car Free Day last Saturday. I went with a team of URA, LTA, SLA, SDCF and Mr. Peter Ong, the Head of Civil Service, to study how the KL Car Free Day is organized. It was an eye opener for me.

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How was it like cycling on KL Car Free Day?

Cycling on the car free four lanes road through the CBD area felt like a dream. I saw many happy faces from young to old, including cyclists, skateboarders, in-line skaters and joggers. It felt like a big celebration in the city. According to Datuk Naim Mohammad, the Chairman of Cycling Implementation Committee, the monthly Car Free Day (7-9am) typically attracts 10,000 participants. Despite the initial skepticism, the complaints from motorist has dropped and more stake holders are finding ways to sponsor and capitalize on this popular event.

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What are the benefits of Car Free Day?

Quote from the KL Car Free Day:
“The KL Car Free Morning was initiated as part of a goal to reduce carbon emissions in the city by 40 per cent by 2020. The project is the result of the Transport, Planning and Leisure Departments of DBKL working with the Royal Malaysian Police Force to achieve a coordinated whole-of-government outcome. KL Mayor, Ahmad Phesal Talib, and Chairman of the Cycling Implementation Committee, Datuk Naim Mohammad, act as the figure heads of the initiative.”

Apart from reducing carbon emission, Car Free Day provides the opportunity for citizen to experience the transformation of public space from car-dominant to car-free. In many cities, such events help to inspire people to consider more use of green mobility such as bicycle for joy, health and efficiency. In Singapore, the CBD area is mostly quiet with little traffic during the early Sunday morning. A Car Free event during this time can be a great way to optimize the usefulness of limited space in Singapore and provide a wonderful opportunity for everyone to experience the city in a completely different way.

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The next question is how?
Below are some tips after talking to the organizer and seeing the event unfolded:

1) Closing off the entire road is safer and easier than closing only one or two lanes.
2) Road blocks and road marshals at strategic positions such as the entrances of the closed segments of the roads.
3) Safety: Traffic police on motorcycle to clear the roads before and after the event. Safety riders are deployed along the way. Ambulance and first aid team excelled in CPR classes from CPR Classes in Atlanta standing by in case of any accident.
4) Participants gathered at the starting point to wait for the flag off. It was a natural one-way flow and that’s safer than bi-directional traffic.
5) Getting support from business (check out business lawyers in Georgia) and the shops/hotels in the affected area helps to make the event more sustainable.
– The Car Free Day event can become an attraction for hotel guests. The hotel just need to provide a few bicycles, minimum investment.
– Consider alternative way for hotel guests to access transport to airport

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Can we have Singapore’s own Car Free Day any time soon?

I certainly hope so! Judging from the happy faces of the Singapore team it seems the idea of a Car Free Day in Singapore may come sooner than later. Photos below includes staff from URA, LTA, SLA, SCDF and Head of Civil Service.

Do you think Car Free day is a good idea for Singapore? Where would you like to see it happen?

Singapore study team meeting with Datuk Naim Mohammad, the Chairman of Cycling Implementation Committee, KL Malaysia.

Peter Ong, Head of Civil Service, Ng Lang, CEO of URA, Lim Eng Hwee, Chief Planner of URA

Dr. Chin Kian Keong, LTA, Tan Tee Nee, LTA and URA team (Andrew, Nicholas, Eugene)

Francis Chu, LoveCyclingSG, Lucy Lim, SLA and Swee Leong CHUA, Yeow Kiat YAM, Boon Hui SER from SCDF

More photos at Flickr

1st LovecyclingSG anniversary get together

Poster by Boo

“Hey you want to try a new restaurant in Sengkeng? I heard the food there is good.” That’s how Sharon “cheated” me to the venue of the 1st LCSG anniversary gathering place. We took MRT and then changed to LRT. Sitting in the LRT felt a bit like the monorail in Santosa, just the scenery is different (but equally interesting). After we get off from Riviera station I was told that the restaurant is at block 161. I use my iPhone to find the direction. It’s all residential blocks in the area, there is hardly anything looks like a restaurant. Block 161 seems to be a mystery, we saw block 160, 164 and even 162, but 161 just nowhere to be found!

Suddenly I saw a bunch of familiar faces – folks from LCSG! Boo, TahChing, Clarence, Zack, Kimi, David… all smiling and chatting. It looks like they were having a great party here! “What a coincident…” I thought.. Before I could made sense of the situation.. “Haha! You found it!” said Boo and Clarence. I was totally blur and have no idea what is going on. Taiwoon gave me a sympathetic look which said: “ya, me too!”

Wow, this is the first anniversary of LovecyclingSG! Thanks you lovely guys and gals. I was speechless. Apparently the “core team” has been working on this special day for nearly a month, everyone in LCSG knew about it except Tai Woon and I. LovecyclingSG, ROCK!

Photos by Tah Ching Yong, a starting member of LoveCyclingSG

"What? your boss's BBQ?"

Signature cup cake made by Kimi - delicious!

JinFeng: "I told Taiwoon it's my boss's BBQ."

"Hold! What's going on.."

Audrey and daughter

Right, I see, this is the restaurant! Haha!

Clarence: "What are you doing Zack?"

Mary & sister

David: "Let's eat!"

Amy and Adrian

David, Andy and Brandon

Steven and Tai Woon

Kimi telling the story of the classified stealth operation.

The happily "cheated" dude.

Amelia and Boo

Lucky draw time!

George even brought his 3 dogs!

Lovecycling in Wo Bao (My Paper)!

Proudly on the front page are Chun Yeo followed by Sam, Audrey, Boo, Ribena, Kimi, K.C. and a mini-Clarence! -- click to see full size

“We didn’t know our love for cycling can go this far!!! Now we are on the press! AMAZING!” Said Esther in the LovecylcingSG Facebook group (LovecyclingSG). Thanks to her and her friend now we can read the Wo Bao article about Lovecycling in it’s full glory!

The Wo Bao article talks about how cycling is becoming a bigger trend and movement in Singapore. LovecyclingSG was cited as an example. Started with just a few of us casually meeting to ride every Sunday morning. The love of cycling spread like fire! Bicycling is now generally accepted as a green, fun and healthy activity. “It not about the bike, or the brand.” said Taiwoon, “It is about the sharing of things in Singapore we all treasure as a group- to explore our neighborhood on a bicycle, photo-shooting and enjoy good food!”

Matt and Diane were featured as the bike-2-work worrier. Matt cycle from Alexandra Rd to Jalan Besar. Matt’s reason? “Cycling save money, eco friendly and help me to keep fit!”
Diane’s B2W route is from Taman Jurong to Jurong East, 20 minutes of cycling mainly make use of PCN, relax and fun. “I can stop anywhere if there is something interesting, just like being a kid again!” Our friend Simon of LifeCycle is also prominently featured in the article. Simon’s idea of “cycling as a lifestyle” is really catching on at the moment!

What the article have not mentioned is the substantiated amount of wonderful, self-initiated contribution from our regular members like Andy, Matt, Clarence, Zack, David, Boo, Mr. Teo, Steven, Eddie, Andrewx2, K.C. Joeel, Esther…too many to remember! Today our Facebook group has hit 259 and the forum has 347 registered members! If you love cycling and is not our member yet, please join us!

To join Lovecycling Rides: http://lovecyclingsg.niceboard.com/
To tune into Lovecycling gossip: http://www.facebook.com/groups/112055678851789?ap=1

Matt, Diane and Simon were featured here! -- click to see full size

Love cycling in Singapore

Love cycling, love Singapore, I love cycling in Singapore