Rider Profile Han Jok Kwang

This is a senior whom I have the utmost respect for. He is Jok Kwang and we first met during 2011 raising funds for Japan major earthquake.  We also did this rally video for our friend in Japan
Anyway, back to Jok Kwang. I have seen him several times in LTA, URA workshops and others form of feedback sessions. 

Taking time off his busy schedule to give good, well articulated suggestions. Always very calm and collected.... but at the sametime passionate.  He also got down and dirty to help improve the PCN paths!

sweating it out

His favorite phrase is "Its more useful to engage and participate then play armchair critic."  

Thank you sir for your passion and continued advocacy in promoting cycling! Read more about him here.
Digital copy 

Nice non preachy cycling manners booklet by Tokyo X2

Simple and non preachy approach

As cycling gets popular in any city, tensions would no doubt arise due to dangerous riding and inconsiderate behaviors both on the cyclists and drivers part. This booklet by TojyoX2 is trying to address that, before it gets out of hand.
This is a very cool and non-preachy approach by Tokyo X2 which aims to impart courtesy and proper cycling manners in Japan. Full information here. 
They even have a full set of cycling hand signals which over time can help make cyclist's intention(if turning or stopping) easier to understand by cars and bus drivers.

Video on hand signals 

I also feel this is would also work in Singapore. Concentrating on a simple, non judgement presentation on what is proper cycling manners and not appear to be too contrived. What do you think?

Nice style and not soo "stiff"... or holy then you 

Make it humourous but gettting the message across. Dont cycle in a wide formation

Cyclist keep left 

Small steps forward for a better cycling experience at Johor Baru

I saw a thread on Facebook and it was about painting  a wider yellow line on the road..... and the bicycle icon.  Although it seems like a trival thing to do but  it sure creates more awareness for cycling/cyclists. Well done JB and Happy Riders Connect group! 

Photo credit - "happy riders Connect FB " 

Adrian rides to work

Bike parked at the side the cubicle

For the record, I work in Dell Centre Singapore but this is not sponsored by Dell :) As many would know, I park my van about 2km away in a private estate and ride my brompton to office. Saves me money and gives me a nice break before a busy day at work.  Changes are happening to my environment, pro cycling measures like a shower and a friendly attitude by the office on bicycles have encouraged more to ride. Like him...

This is Adrian who works in marketing and sales.  He commutes using his Cervelo daily from Newton to Jurong IBP. He shares that it is nice work out and feels good contributing to less carbon emissions.
I also agree! Ride on Adrian and will feature him more about his views on cycling and commuting by bike in Singapore.

@ Strategy entrance

No fuss and drama @ Dell office 

Wise words from Frog man

Reflection on the small stuff

人生過到現在，走在路上會被人認出來，這也是始料未及的。只能告訴自己，當你有小小的影響力時，就要用小小的力量去幫助別人，當你有大大的影響力時，就必須要用大大的力量，去讓這個世界變得更好。

Loosely translated " As you journey through life, you might be recognized, which is unexpected. Tell yourself when you have a small influence, use what small force to help others. When you have a big influence, you have to use a big force to make this world a better better." This was something Frogman "wa da" posted on his facebook sometime back.

Today is a time for my self-reflection. Lovecyclingsg, a group I co-founded with Francis back in 2008 has grown to way bigger than I thought. Some thing must be right, I think. 
We come a long way but staying relevant is never easy.  Then what is relevant? Is it all about keeping true to non commerical nature, E.R.P and community kampong spirit?  How do we keep the "wheels" spinning, week after week? I know we got something good going but how to sustain this level of effort?  
Mentally, I am tired... dead tired. Like fizzy pepsi without the gas. Punchek and peng sang. Perhaps a time out would help.......every one needs a break.

Roadies reflecting on road safety

Sharing this. Not a rant but just a simple video to show the cyclists point of view and advice for staying alive on the roads.

Bicycles issue on TODAY Paper

Full article here 

From Today paper 11th Sept 2012

"Dr Faishal was responding to a question by Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP Janil Puthucheary, who asked whether the Transport Ministry will consider reviewing the current composition fine of S$20 on errant cyclists.
He said: "MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) and the Traffic Police are reviewing the cycling penalties to ensure that they are commensurate with the severity of the respective offences, and will announce the findings when their review is completed."
The question of whether cyclists should be given suitable punishment comes on the back of the 11 deaths so far this year. These accidents have led many in the cycling community to call for harsher punishments for drivers and for greater protection to be given to the growing number of fitness enthusiasts who take to the roads."   TODAYonline 11th Sept 2012

I just find this puzzling that nothing was mentioned on the motorist front on the current penalties when a car hits a cyclist. Pls see Ben Mok case and ask yourself if this is fair.  

Let's hear some real discussion please

Just saw this on Straitstime webby.  Parliament to debate safety of cyclists and what can things be done to protect the cyclists. More here . I am not expecting miracles but I sincerely hope this will help make cycling safer for all.  At least start a real conversation. Finger cross..

The cycle continues

Keep us safe, please

The cycle continues. A cyclist gets hit, cycling groups rally and feedback to authorities, even writing to PM. Papers will write about it and media will cover. Then in a week or so, it will die down. Will it progress further this time or will it not? Time will tell.
For the moment, under the barrage of feedback.... Dr Faishal have been tasked by Minister Lui to take charge and one of his task is to look directly at road safety and cycling issues. Well at least now, it seems more attention will be focused on SG Cyclists, orphans on the SG roads. 

Reflecting on the last few days of activity... I am sad that someone had to die and accident to spur action from our authorities. It could be any of us and if it is your personal friend, you will feel the pain and sorrow even more.  And this is not just for cyclists rights mind you... It is about keeping everyone safe on the road. Attitudes of the motorists, pedestrians need to be addressed.  Finger pointing and ranting will not help. (thank you Alex for sharing that with me) 

So what do I think? I find that while discussing on the matter is important.... I strongly feel part of the issue is Empathy. "Walk"/ cycle in our shoes. I have invited Dr Faishal, LTA, TP heads to cycle with normal folks on the roads so that they will feel what we feel daily. This is not a confrontation but a real exercise in understanding the Singapore cyclists plight. After all, this is not new. Minister Lui took the lead and used the MRT to learn about the MRT issues. Let's be open and see how things pan out. 

https://www.facebook.com/Muhammad.Faishal.Ibrahim?ref=stream

https://www.facebook.com/teoserluck

https://www.facebook.com/notes/irene-ng/parl-q-on-coordinated-national-plan-for-cycling-and-road-safety-in-2010/10151033436833160

Give me the space and I will follow the rule

Daddy sending daughter to school in an eco way... 

This is Francis article in Chinese papers which I highly recommend you read.


 "Yesterday when I went home, I saw a father riding a bicycle and carrying two kids, one in the front and the other at the back. He yield slowly at a junction, checked there is no car around and he ride across the junction quickly. He continued on the pavement carefully. I snapped a photo and upload it to the Facebook, many friends share their memory of being carried by their father/ mother's bike when they were small.
"It's really an enjoyable moment, wind blows in my face, talking and chatting to my father. Watching the street scene flow by while sitting between the large arm of my father, I felt excited and warm."
A friend told me. Others shared that's how they bring their kids to school, as a parent, they all enjoy this "moment of two" with their children on their journey.
However, this affordable, eco friendly and healthy way of commute is being marginalized. If you want to avoid the danger of cars, you need to ride on the pavement, and which is illeagal (except Tampines). It is also illegal to carry people on your bicycle.
To someone, a father using his own effort, carefully carrying his kids between home and school is breaching the law.

Recently there is an article publiched in ST <> the author, Ignatius Low, list many wrong doing of cyclists in Singapore. He share his experience in UK and feel that the cyclist in UK is much more decipline than the local cyclist. The article striked a sensitive chore in the public and many readers write in to suport him. Many agree that there are many "ruleless cyclists" who don't respect the laws.
As an "Bicycle-Master", I have more than 7 years of driving and cycling experience in Singapore. I feel Mr. Low does not have a real taste of riding in Singapore. He doesn't understand why sometimes it is necessary to make an illegel move. e.g riding on pavement (to avoid car), or riding across pedestrian crossing (to reduce exposure to the danger of cars).
Mr. Low listed 7 sins of the local cyclist:
1) riding on pavement
2) riding their bell threatening the pedestrian
3) carrying people on bicycle
4) riding across crossing
5) riding against traffic
6) no front and back light at night
7) not wearing helmet.

Only (2) is really a bad behavior and should not be allowed, and I agree there are a few cyclists belongs to this group. The rest, technically illegal, but he is pushing too far when he said these behavior are "endangering" car drivers.

About the helmet, there is no law to force cyclist to wear a helmet, it is a personal freedom that each person can decide for himself. In fact helmet law does not exit in all advanced countries with high population of bicycle. They generally agree helmet doesn't add to the safety of the rider, but increase the burden for cycling.
If cyclist really is the "King of the road" as claimed, than we shouldn't see cyclists being forced onto the pavement. I feel local cyclist more like the "Orphan of the Road", they don't have a space they belong (no bicycle lane), they don't have proper protection (law does not protect them well). When confronted with (car) danger, they just have to jump here and there to avoid being hit.I don't agree with the view of Mr. Low. However, at the end of his article, he asked a very valid question:" Is it unwillingness on the part of Government to lay down the law clearly for cyclists and provides the necessary cycling lanes and other infrastructure that will engender orderly behavior?"
Francis Chu

Caught for speeding?

Taken from Lovecyclingsg facebook early this morning. Lots of discussion on what this was about. I don't want to speculate this. Just sharing what is going thru my mind today. 

"Clement Goh Cycling is for all ages. To tell kids to cycle on the road is like sending them to certain death. Rules are one thing but for cases like this, they should apply some common sense. Really, what were they thinking telling an 11 year old to cycling on the road."

 Location around Yuan Ching road                        Photo credits - Eddie Hooi

LTA seeking Public Feeback - Pls act

Here is a something you can do if you care and want to make Singapore a better place to cycle. The Land Transport Plan is due for a review come 2013, and this is a good time to share how you feel and ideas you have. The link is here and please speak up "before the cake is baked so as to speak". This impacts the coming 5 years of Singapore Transport system... have a think about what that means.  
I took this from LTA site so that u can better read. 
SINGAPORE: The Land Transport Authority (LTA) is seeking public feedback on its existing and future Land Transport Masterplan.
The plan maps out strategies that will go into formulating the country's transport policies.
The last plan, launched in 2008, saw initiatives such as expanded rail and road networks as well as improved barrier free access to bus and rail stations.
As part of its update, the LTA will gather public views on how the various programmes under the 2008 masterplan can be refined as well as identify new initiatives.
To give feedback, go to this website.
The portal will host online discussion forums and surveys that the public can participate in. 
Detailed information on the scope of the consultation process and the 2008 Masterplan is also available.
Alternatively, members of the public can email the LTA at LTA-LTMP@lta.gov.sg.
The LTA said those who participate stand to win an EZ-Link card worth S$10.
Feedback channels will open till 30 September.
As part of the consultation process, LTA will also carry out a series of focus group discussions, after which views will be consolidated and released with the updated masterplan, which is targeted for 2013

Cyclists renew calls for rights

Cycling was again featured on Singapore Straits Times. Francis and myself gave lots of input to the reporter but due to the space given, she had to pare it down. Well, still it is good awareness for SG cyclists but it is still dangerous on the roads. I also shared what I use to keep the odds higher for myself. The actual article here. 
Cyclists renew calls for rights
Recent deaths of two riders reignite demands for tougher laws 
Last Monday, some 140 cyclists embarked on a Ride of Silence ending at Changi Coast Road to honour the memory of a fellow rider who died there a few days earlier.
Mr Jude Alphonsus Tan, 25, was cycling with a group of friends when he was knocked down by a lorry on May 26. He died instantly.
Two days after Mr Tan’s accident, another cyclist was hit and killed by a van in Senoko South Road.
The two deaths have reignited calls for greater rights and protection on the road for cyclists.
With more and more Singaporeans choosing to cycle as a means of transport or recreation, cyclists say there should be tougher laws to penalise errant drivers, and dedicated bike lanes on roads to keep drivers at a distance.
Cyclists, they say, have every right to be on the road.
Said Mr Steven Lim, president of the Safe Cycling Task Force: “That’s been established long ago, in the Road Traffic Act. Now it’s up to road users to recognise and respect that.”
In online forums, cyclists have been blamed unfairly for road accidents involving them, some cyclists said.
Mr Albert Yeo, 46, said that many drivers feel cyclists should stay off the road.
Such views encourage reckless driving, he said.
“Motorists think that I shouldn’t be there, so they cut in front of me.”
At least 10 cyclists have been killed in road accidents this year so far. Since 2009, about 16 cyclists have died a year.
There were 16 cyclist deaths in London last year – a city with 7.8 million people to Singapore’s 5.2 million. London has bike lanes in some parts of the city.
Cyclists here said that tougher laws may reduce the number of cycling-related deaths. They cited a recent case, where a doctor who killed a cyclist and injured another two years ago was sentenced to four weeks’ jail and a five-year driving ban.
He could have been jailed up to two years and fined up to $10,000.
“Drivers have the power to kill,” said Mr Woon Tai Woon, 38, who heads the social group LoveCyclingSG.
“A light sentence gives drivers the perception that they can get away with it.”
Another way may be to introduce dedicated bicycle lanes on roads – though the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said land constraints here rule them out.
What about road markings, the cyclists asked. A reminder for drivers to keep a distance of 1.5m would help protect them, they said.
But LTA said such markings could give cyclists a “false sense of security”. Traffic Police said a 1.5m gap is a guide which drivers might not always be able to keep to.
For now, there is only patience, and public awareness.
MP Teo Ser Luck, who chairs the Cycling Facilitation Committee set up in 2009 to engage stakeholders on cycling issues, said that Singapore’s road culture must shed its tendency towards “speeding, impatience, and not giving way”.
Cyclists, too, know they must play their part.
Said Mr Woon: “Even if you have the right of way, you have to cycle safely. When you’re up against a car, you can’t win.”