Longtail 2.0

I ride a Surly dummy. It is fun and carry a sh*** load without much effort.  So when I saw this video by extracycles, it seem like longtails are at least getting some traction in other countries. The guy talking is Sam Whittingham  who have been designing biycles for a long time. He talking about how folks are using the Longtails.  This are ordinary folks who want to use it to commute and carry stuff, kids. They want to feel safe while riding, this is why the centre of gravity is important. Lowering the wheel will help make that..." Watch this video and see the Longtail 2.0 forming up!

No Space for bike lane?

Have a read what Francis wrote http://lovecycling.net/?p=1244
Is it really no space or the lack of will to implement or even do a pilot test? Or the problem is not "big" enough for the authorities to act?

Bus lanes ...BusBike idea to make it safer on SG roads

 Do you know as cyclist, you can cycle in the bus lanes?Well to many I checked(cyclists, motorist), most don't know if it is allowed.  We asked LTA during the first meeting (2nd July 2012) and it was confirmed by the Traffic Management (Teo KL) that it is. The point I am trying to make is that there is a general lack of awareness (from both the motorist and cyclist part) for the traffic rules and safety for one another.
I attach the Singapore Road traffic act... which is written Lawyer speak and not easy for the general public to comprehend...
http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/aol/search/display/view.w3p;page=0;query=DocId:%22ba3acbce-2ce4-4b3f-8011-5bfae19cfbbc%22%20Status:inforce%20Depth:0;rec=0#legis
Also see this forum letter by Lynn and she expresses that the Traffic Rules and Road Safety works both ways.

Forum comment by Lynn Tan    Straits Time 23th Aug 2012

Ok, Red light stop, Green Light go is a given. But knowing how to be safe and watch out for each other is not really practised. I also drive and if u like to observe this quirks of many SG motorists.
Don't believe me, try this..... Driving along the road in traffic, signal ur intention to switch lane. And look for the reaction of the drivers when you flip the signal.. and just watch (dun forget to look forward too ok). The signal lights are a cue to speed up. If you are an in-experienced driver, you will be so frozen and scared to change the lane. This is not 100% of the time but I am sure if you drive you know what I mean. 

I try to emphasize the motorist plight and see their point of view. It is frustrating to be sitting in traffic, inching along.  Sometime it is slow that I think cycling would get me to work faster. And from the motorists perspective reading from the news... "what???? now bicycles also want to use the road...wah lau eh... it's so crowded"
And this is precisely why I think the car approach cannot be the only option. Look at this very famous photo done by the City of Muenster Planning office way back in 2001. It shows visually how cars, bus, bicycles use the space on the road. 

It is crowded... the more we need to think out of the box...  Photo credit Press office city of munste, Germany

Over coffee and chats to find ideas to make cycling safer in SG, we came up with this "low hanging fruit solution" which just might work in the Singapore context. Sure, it would mean adjusting our behaviour a and of course there will be problems but what do you think we should do.. build more highways? 

Please read more as Francis articulates the concept.  

http://lovecycling.net/2012/08/busbike-lane-bb-lane/

COE is already touching the 100k mark and expected to reach ever higher prices. Which means car ownership it is really out of the normal Singaporean reach. At least to me that is. I know when my car COE expires in 2 years time... I will have to give up the car option... hopefully some progress would have been made to cycling safety which will give an safe, economical and healthy alternative to the mass transport(Bus, MRT).
I know good people like Francis are already doing lots to show that is is possible. 

From the cyclist view... this is a nice one without the cars zipping past too close to us

Photo and edit by Francis Chu 

Learning to ride Article for Zao Bao

Last Article for Zao Bao, thank you to my dear wife for the awesome translation!

Found this online which is a Gyro wheel that supposely makes it easier for children to learn cycling. You can even modulate the gyro forces so that the child can slowly "wean" off the aid.... http://www.gyrobike-europe.com/ Hmmm .Well I think it just might work! But frankly it is more than the products that will make ur child cycle...Equipment aside, the most important element is love and patience. I know as Daddies, we like to get the little one as quickly up to speed to cycle as possible.  So much so that we sometimes give so much advice and pressure... it can put them off.  I was guilty of that too :)

But kids will always be kids and they learn in their own way. That's thru play and if u make every ride fun... they will come back for more.  A little trick I do with my daughter momo, is that I get on my Carry me and we play "Catch" that is to ride around, near to their speed and "chase each" other... sounds stupid but she loves it.. esp if she is the leader and she will bring me around the blocks and pillars.

Enjoy the moment, even if the learning process is abit slow. And when the magical moment happens... you will be super happy!  Happy cycling!

Quick tips to teach ur child

   1)   Get a bicycle, take out the training wheels and pedals.

   2)   Get safety helmet and gloves. Your child might fall but that’s part of the learning process. Dun stress.. .it happens. Stay cool. 

   3)   Make sure the seat is low enough so that when he/she straddle the bicycle. Both the feet is nicely planted on the floor. This give him more confidence

   4)   Find a open space with no traffic. A void deck open area is fine. Get him to “run” with the “bike’ – sans pedals and training wheels. Play catch with him, get him to chase u and follow you

   5)   Keep on doing the session to about half an hour. Give him lots of encouragements and make it fun. Repeat for at least 4 weekend. 

   6)   When u see he gets better with “running” with the bike.. ask him to lift his legs when in motion. This teaches him balance… but he doesn’t know it..

   7)   When he can balance with 2 legs up..  ask if he like to put the pedals back. Don’t press it too hard if he doesn’t. Keep it fun and keep the positive vibes on. Very soon ur child will ask to put the pedals back

   8)   Once the pedals are back on.. Keep the seat low so both feet it planted on the ground. Practise straddle and when the bicycle is moving, position feet on the pedal and crank. Dad can be at the rear, help stabilize the bike while he find the pedals.. and let him go.  It will wobble but he should be able to crank afew time. Big applaush and high fives…  your child would be smiling.

   9)   Ok, now keep practicing.  And now learn how to stop. Learn by riding in a straight line and apply both brakes gently. Slowly increase the distance and duration. Lots of encouragments will help lots. 

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

Straits Time on Cycling in SG

Today in Straits Time                                                    Photo by Francis Chu

By Tham Yuen-c
GEYLANG Road, Lentor Avenue, Keppel Road towards VivoCity, Balestier Road, Upper Jurong Road.

Cyclists beware.

These are among Singapore's most hazardous roads for cycling, according to a map created by cycling enthusiasts to warn others where they must be extra careful.

In the first eight months of this year, at least 12 cyclists have died. Since 2009, about 16 cyclists have died on the roads each year. Hundreds more get injured in accidents.
The map explains why certain roads are marked hazardous.

Geylang Road, for example, has busy traffic both day and night. Cyclists sometimes ride against traffic, and drivers can cut in and out from side streets.

"We are not asking people to avoid these places because sometimes you have no choice, but we just want to make sure that people ride on the road with their eyes open, and they know what to expect," said Mr Woon Tai Woon, 38, founder of LoveCyclingSG.

Following Mr Khoo's death, 21 cyclists have written open letters to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew, exhorting the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to consider measures such as dedicated bicycle lanes and more public education about road rules to cut down the number of fatalities.

Cycling groups say they have already been working with the authorities to try and make the roads safer for the growing number of cyclists in Singapore.

On July 2, some members of LoveCyclingSG met the LTA to appeal for greater rights and protection on the road - including calling for stiffer laws against irresponsible drivers who endanger cyclists, Mr Woon said. "There are drivers who feel that cyclists should not be on the road," said the product designer. "There should be stiffer punishment for such people."

Other suggestions include changes to road design, such as making lanes narrower so that cars are forced to go slower, and making space on public roads for dedicated bicycle lanes.
Mr Steven Choy, 47, a friend of Mr Khoo's, said that bicycle lanes need only be about 1.5m wide to keep drivers and cyclists out of each other's paths. it was time that dedicated lanes be assigned to this growing group.
"These park connectors are used by senior citizens, people out on walks, walking their dogs, it is not safe for them because we are riding at a fast speed," said Ms Joyce Leong, 56, founder of Joyriders, one of the largest local bicycle groups with 1,300 members.

To make roads safer for cyclists, the LTA has put up signs at popular cycling routes warning motorists to be careful. Mr Steven Lim, 45, president of the Safe Cycling Task Force that works with government agencies to promote cycling safety, said "After a while, some of them become like advertisements and are not very conspicuous," he said. "We are trying to see if it will be feasible to put the messages on the road instead."

"Motorists have to start getting used to the idea of sharing the roads with cyclists, but cyclists also have to help themselves and follow the rules,"

yuenc@sph.com.sg

SG Chinese newspaper on Plead to PM

Just off the press... thanks for Yiting for writing on behalf SG cyclists!

Adriane Letter to PM Lee

To Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, let us co exist in peace as road users.

by Adriane Lee on Sunday, August 19, 2012 at 6:35pm ·

Dear Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong,

We write to you with great sadness at knowledge of yet another cyclist who was killed today 18th of August 2012. Mr. Freddy Khoo along with 2 other cyclists was hit by a lorry whose driver was supposed to have fallen asleep at the wheel at 655am along Loyang Road.

At the same time the news reported of a 65 year old gentleman who was killed at Jurong East by car and going viral online now is a video of a 13 year old cyclist who failing to keep a proper look out and crashed into a passing car. He is lucky however for he survived to learn from his mistakes unlike the other two gentlemen who tried to be follow traffic rules but were simply unlucky to have been mowed down by drivers who made a deadly mistake.

Just a few months ago, there was a similar case where another recreational cyclist list his life when a lorry crashed into him in the morning at Changi Coastal Road, the lorry driver too claimed to have fallen asleep on the wheel.

Since then, there have been calls for heavy penalties for drivers who cause fatal accidents involving cyclists, there have also similarly been calls by drivers blaming cyclists for the deaths for simply being there on the road.

There is a growing misconception among motorists that road use is only for those who pay road tax and that cyclists do not belong on the road. This results in reckless and life threatening driving by drivers who think they are doing the right thing to show cyclists “where they rightfully belong” that being off the road. Actions that include passing cyclists at extreme close proximity at high speed, swerving in front of cyclists with horns blaring and even pushing cyclists off the road towards the kerb swearing vulgarities at the same time, actions that pose a real life threatening danger to both the cyclists and other motorists.

Cyclists have every right as other motorist to use the roads for road tax is not collected for construction of the roads as the common fallacy suggests but rather as a form of taxation for maintenance required as a result of use by motor vehicles. Non motorised vehicles such as bicycles are exempted because they do not tear up roads.  However this right is not recognized nor respected by motorists and even government agency LTA. In other countries such as Holland, Australia , USA and neighbouring Taiwan, there are bicycle lanes in the form of demarcation on existing roads of a 1.5 to 2m zone where motor vehicles are not allowed to enter and similarly cyclists are supposed to stay in. However LTA in it recent disturbing statement by Minister Lui Tuck Yew, he stated that cycling lanes have no place in Singapore, partly because of space constrains but largely because it will give cyclists a false sense of security and hence it could be dangerous for cyclists.

How LTA came to this conclusion is still a mystery to all as facts and figures worldwide point to cycling lanes being the key to creating a safe environment for all. It creates rules and sets the boundary where both sets of road users, cyclists and motorists keep to. At present, frankly without proper demarcation to signal a proper keep away distance from cyclists, it creates NO SENSE of security for a cyclist willing to cycle on the road.

For those not willing to risk their lives on that road and there are many, they cycle on the pavement earning the irk of pedestrians as seen from news articles by reporters, letters from the public calling cyclists “King of the road” for they seem not to follow any rules.  As one cyclist’s Mr. Francis Chu wrote in response to the press, cyclists are more orphans of the road, welcomed on neither road nor pavement.

The government is asking Singaporeans and residents to be more environmentally sustainable and to embrace sports as part of an active lifestyle. Yet when the call is answered by embracing cycling, we pay for it either with verbal abuse or our lives.

Cyclists are not saying that it is totally the fault of drivers when accidents take place, rather the present system is flawed with different agencies not working together to create a safe environment on the road. We admit that at times cyclists too are at fault and the problem is unless we recognize the rights of cyclists on that road, no measures are being undertaken to ensure there is peaceful coexistence. The efforts of the different agencies both government and non governmental are commendable but without collaboration, there seems to be many gaping holes in how policy is being planned and implemented. Even feedback to relevant authorities such as LTA seems a challenge in itself as seen from how close to impossible LTA has made it public feedback online to be with everyone having to register a lengthy form and having to log in even if one just wants to read comments posted on the public feedback forum. Feedback to LTA on this matter was acknowledged once but no action taken despite constant queries. For LTA to be answering for feedback for a 5 to 10 year master plan, is the response from a mere hundred over respondents really a representative of the active users want? Or is it merely to achieve a criteria in the feedback process that feedback must be sought but whether or not it is actually taken into consideration is irrelevant? Will this then mean again design that looks good on paper but is flawed during implementation.

At present there is no education for both motorists and cyclists which is what we need to solve the quagmire we are in of arguing over rights on the roads.

For motorists, education is needed to let them know that cyclists have a place on the road and that respect in the form of safe driving when encountering cyclists should be accorded to them as fellow road users. This is also to alert them to how to react to cyclists on the road and avoid confrontation.

For cyclists, education is needed for all cyclists on the rules and regulations that cyclists must follow as road users, for example, not beating the red lights, going against traffic, keeping to their lanes on the far left of the road. This is to ensure their own safety and to let other road users know cyclists can and do follow road rules as fellow users.

With regards to calls of penalties for motorists whose driving have killed cyclists to be increased,honestly increasing it might be a onetime deterrent but it does not solve the problem. We really rather that no motorists have to face trial for this offense as no matter how heavy the sentence the motorist gets, the life of the cyclist cannot be revived. Hence instead of increasing sentencing, we rather that education to both parties prevents accidents from taking place in the first place. We are sure that the drivers who were unfortunate to have been involved in the accidents are suffering from their own inner hell knowing they have taken the life of another. As the word says, it is an accident and we are sure no driver wanted it to happen. 

Let not the death of these cyclists and the psychological trauma carried for life by these drivers involved be in vain, let us work together road users and the government to make sure these instances do not happen again.

You spoke during the National Day rally of a Singapore that is inclusive, a nation that we all embrace as one. One where the government and the people work together. Then let it start by a very simple act of promoting peaceful co existence among all road users be they motorised or otherwise, for that person on that bicycle regardless of race, religion, nationality is someone else’s father, mother, son, daughter, brother and sister just like you and me. By doing so, we will show to other nations, we are an inclusive society and one that Singaporeans can be proud to call home.

1) Adriane Lee.Cyclist,Motorist.Marketing Executive, Age 36 and somebody's son

2) Peter Chong,Writer and Photographer, Married with a 18 year son.

3) Adeline Teo, Cyclist, Motorist, Education Solutions Manager, 31 and, someone's daughter and sister.

4) Brandon Lim, Cyclist, Age 17, Student

5) Natalia Tan, Cyclist, Motorist, Business Director, 33 and someone's daughter and sister.

6) Woon Taiwoon, Cyclist, Age 38, Designer, Some one Son, and Some one hubby and Daddy.

7) Ang Mary , age 42, divorced , mother of 2 teenage ( Nigel Khoo , 16yrs old - student and Kennis Khoo , 13yrs old - student ), cyclist and Senior Document Controller with Shell

8) Michael Khaw. Father, Hubby, Son

9) Nicholas Tham, Motorist, Cyclist, 27, Aircraft Engine Inspector, Some one son

10) Lee Oon Teng, Cyclist, Motorist, New media designer, 39, Someone's son, some one's husband and dad.

11) Julien Chiang, Cyclist, Motorist. Age : 36. Senior Training Consultant. Someone's Son, Brother and Husband.

12) Derek Leong, Cyclist, Motorist, 43, Manager, Someone's son, a teenager's favourite uncle and a worrying wife's husband

13) Darren Siow, Cyclist, Motorcyclist, Motorist. Age 41, User Experience Consultant. The only child of my aged parents.

14) Jeff Seah, cyclist 54, Executive Director

15) Wong Yun Xiang, Cyclist, Age 16, Student, somebody's son & brother

16) Peter Tao, Cyclist, Motorist, 40, Executive Director

17) LK Tan, married, father of 3 teenage kids and someone's son, brother, in-law, uncle

18) Lynten Ong, Avid cyclist, bike store owner, age 45, a son, husband and father of three. and the person who sold your son a bike.

19) Francis Chu, Cyclist, Motorist, Public Transport commuter. Age 53, Director ISUDA Bike Share. A son, a husband and a father of 2

20) Ng Keng Guan, 26,Cyclist, Sales executive, somebody's son

21) Petia 34 father of one son of two husband of one wife.

22) Ethan Chan, Cyclist, Pedestrian, father of 3.

23) Steven Tang, Tennis Coach, 2 kids who also cycles (9 yrs old girl Tiffany and 13 yrs old son Tiger.

24) Koh Siew Lay, motorist & cyclist, 42, (recently was hit by taxi while riding on the road on a Saturday morning), mother, wife, daughter

25) Wong Eman, student & cyclist, 13, son, grandson, great grand son

26) Dean Tan, Cyclist, Motorist. Age : 45, Interior Designer. Someone's son, Someone's husband and someone's dad. (Wife cyclist also)

27) Walton Seah, AttitudeBikes Pte Ltd, Motorist, Cyclist, someones grandson, son, son-in-law , husband and father of two.

28) Eric Ng, Age 35, Cyclist, Motorist, Pedestrian. A son, a husband and a father of 2

29) Bernard Phoon, Cyclist, Age 43,  Regional Demand Planner (Specialized Bicycle Components), Single.

30) Stefan HUAN. 42. Avid cyclist from Team Roadee. Senior sales manager. Son n brother n loving Uncle to my 2 nieces n nephews.

31) Lewis Loh,33y old Options Trader, Brother, son, driver, pedestrian, Cyclist by choice.

32) Samuel Tan , Age 25, Aircraft Technician , son of singapore and some one's son, friend , brother , Thunder buddies

33) Joyce Pau, Cyclist, Motorist, Marketing Manager, 29, someone's wife, daughter, sister and auntie.

34) Kenny Tam 41 ( Snr System Service Representative ) ,cyclist, married (Wife Home Maker and 2 kids - 12yrs old son and 11yrs old daughter)

35) Andrew Wan, Businessman, avid cyclist, with worried wife, son, brother, sister, friends, company staff members.

36) Wu Huaying, 33, scientist, cyclist, pedestrian and public transport user, daughter & sister

37) Jason Wo. Cyclist, student, Active volunteer at Singapore Red Cross , Age 21 and somebody's son, somebody's grandson and buddies to many

38) Cheong Lai Hong, Research Fellow, Age 44, Son of my parents, Father of a 5 years old son, A commuting cyclist since 1996 but never encourage any friends to do likewise knowing the potential risks although I survived all these years.

39) Kimi Oh, Cyclist, Financial Service Director.

40) Gracie Koh 49yrs, office mgr, cyclist, daughter, wife of a cyclist.

41) James Lau, 46, son of a mother, brother of 2 siblings and uncle of a nephew!

42) Lynda Scott. Mother, daughter, teacher, cyclist, motorist.

43) Oliveiro James 26, mixologist, son and brother

44) JingJie Yeo, Age 16, Student, Cyclist, Someone's daughter and sister

45) Eugene Chua, age 37, cyclist, reluctant motorist, Designer, a husband, a father of 2, a son and a brother.

46) Chuon-Szen Ong, Age 40, Engineering Director, S'porean who is a daily London commute cyclist (since 1998), Son, Brother, Husband, Father and a regular motorist as well (we can alll co-exist)!

47) KC Au Yeong, age 61 , semi-retired , avid cyclist , gone the green way & clearing SG shores and with kids x 2 that cycles .

48) Vince li, age 30, system design engineer, avid cyclist

49) Ivan Ho, design lecturer, cyclist, Singapore's son....

50) jimm chew. 17 . student. son and brother and im a cyclist

51) Chris Yee, 36, Cyclist, Designer, Educator, Father-to-be

52) Alex Chiew, aged 21,Poly Year 1 student,  badminton coach, cyclist. Hearing impaired. Despite my hearing impaired, i keep looking behind in order to avoid getting crashed. Motorists doesnt know i am hearing impaired. So what if my hearing device runs out of batt? It did happens before. One time. And God leads me to safety.

53) Amanda Wang, Age 26, engaged, Video Editor, pedestrian, Cyclist, public transport user, Someone's daughter, sister

54) Angela Siow 48, educator, someone' wife n mother to two kids, someone's daughter.

55) Benjamin Chuang. Cyclist. Motorist. Student. Son. Brother. Age:20

56) David Kolpak, 54, road cyclist, motorist, IT Exec, husband, brother, advocate for cycling as transportation.

Letter to Mr Lui by Stephen Choy, friend of Freddy Khoo

Stephen Choy, a friend of the late cyclist brother, Freddy Khoo has written to Minister Lui and also our Prime Minister. Stephen has requested for me to post his message here in Joyriders. [add by me: Minister Lui is infact the official who mentioned 'false sense of security] 
==============================
=

Letter by: Stephen Choy
AN OPEN LETTER TO MINISTER OF TRANSPORT, MR LIU TUCK YEW

Dear Minister Lui

My friend is dead.
If, only if, I had written this letter earlier, Freddy might still be able to cycle with me in the next Ironman race.
You see, he died pursuing his hobby. On the morning of 18 August 2012, along Loyang Valley, as he made his way towards Changi Village, he was run over by a truck. I chanced upon the wreckage, not knowing that it was that of my friend’s. I immediately posted a message on FaceBook to remind all my friends to cycle safe. Within minutes, I received the tragic news that that statistic was a friend of mine. He was my buddy in our cycling group, Team Cychos.
Freddy was a good, gentle man. A good husband and a doting father to his 5 year old son. And would have been an equally good father to his unborn child too, I’m sure.
Dear Minister Lui, I am appealing to you as many before me did. I am certain you are aware of the statistics. From 2008 to 2011, there were a total of 70 cyclists killed. That is a horrifying average of 1.46 cyclists killed a month. Sadly, that is not enough to spur your ministry into action to make the roads safer for cyclists.
We are not saying that motorists are completely at fault. We recognize both cyclists and motorists have a part to play in making our roads safer for all. Cyclists must be made aware of how vulnerable they are the moment they mount their bike. Motorists must be educated that, like pedestrians, cyclists too have a right to use the roads. Only when these two groups recognized this and develop a mutual respect will we see a drop in fatalities. Hopefully.
This, however, cannot be done without the Government’s assistance. In a recent article on the dangers of cycling in Singapore, an LTA spokesperson, upon being asked about introducing a cycling lane, declared that this will only give cyclists a false sense of security. A false sense of security??? Isn’t that akin to saying we should not have window grilles at home as they would give our Foreign Domestic Workers a false sense of security when cleaning windows in highrise apartments. I was flabbergasted by this flippant and dismissive response. Isn’t that the purpose of a cycling lane? To remind cyclists to stay within the allotted 1.5m and for motorists to be aware of cyclists within this lane so that we all can be safe. So that we all can go home to our loved ones. So that we all can continue to pursue our passions. Safely.
To the spokesperson from LTA, I say shame on you. Shame on you for taking the easy way out. If NParks is able to build 300km of park connectors (by 2015), surely the LTA is capable of painting a 1.5m lane on our roads. This is merely the width of 2 carton boxes. Are cyclists not worth that. If having cycling lanes islandwide prove too daunting a task, then perhaps we can start small, start a pilot project to paint only the more popular (and dangerous) cycling routes - Neo Tew Avenue, Mandai Road, Changi Coastal Road, Upper Thompson Road, West Coast Highway. I am sure the Singapore Cycling Federation, Singapore Amateur Cycling Association, Singapore Sports Council and perhaps even cycling clubs, especially the bigger ones like Joyriders and Anzac can advise LTA on this.

From 2010 to January 2012, there were 21 work-related height fatalities of Foreign Domestic Workers. This monthly average of 0.58 was enough for the Ministry of Manpower to implement a new rule forbidding FDW to clean the outside of windows. The ministry also felt the need to double the penalties (from the current $5,000 fine and/or six months' jail to $10,000 fine and/or 12 months' jail) to serve as added deterrence to employers.
Minister Lui, if 21 FDW were enough to get a new legislation in place, surely Freddy and the deaths of 70 other cyclists deserve an urgent re-look at how to make our roads safer. I appeal to you not to let more people die before the rest of us are able to pursue our hobby safely.

Please help Singapore Cyclists Plead to PM

If you feel strongly about more needs to be done. Pls send ur concerns, fears and message here. This is my message to our PM.

From: woon taiwoon

Subject: Please help Singapore Cyclists safety plead

Date: August 18, 2012 PM 04:11:37 GMT+08:00

To: lee_hsien_loong@pmo.gov.sg

Cc: Francis Chu , Lim George , Andy Yap

We are a group of avid cyclists who enjoy cycling and exploring our local neighbourhood.  Our group is called Lovecyclingsg and it is a lovely social gathering every sunday morning. Please have a look at the folks who join us for a ride.  We have a motto which is E.R.P = Eat. Ride. Photo http://smallwheelsbigsmile.blogspot.sg/2011/03/kranji-ride-27th-march-2011-photo.html
Cycling is really nice and enables us to explore many places which we didn't even know existed. Like the sembawang hotsprings for example. I am glad to see that our cycling community is growing and having a strong Kampong spirit.  Last count we have over 2000 Facebook members and it is quite a task to keep up with the postings and activities.
As I got more involved with cycling community building, I begin also to take more notice about the lack of attention for the cyclists safety. We as lovecyclingsg have been actively trying to improve our cyclist's odds by sharing more information, conducting safety clinic.  We also wrote to Ministry of Transport and LTA to ask that more be done for cyclists safety and share on the cyclists plight.
http://smallwheelsbigsmile.blogspot.sg/2012/05/letter-to-mot.html  << this is the email message to MOT .We also have had a first meeting with LTA on the 2nd July and there is not reply from them. I don't know what more to do which is why I am writing to you directly.
Today early morning, 3 cyclists was hit by a lorry at Loyang road. One of the rider name is Freddy Khoo. I don't know him personally but I was told he didn't not make it. He leaves behind a wife and son. This is what is left of his bicycle.
Sir, I appeal to you. Please help make the roads safe for cyclists.
regards
Taiwoon
for lovecyclingsg

regards
Taiwoon
for lovecyclingsg

Brompton hinge Tip by Wei Shuan

Wei Shuan is a master Tinkerer and he has a brompton. This is his simple, effective tip on the hinge... I think it is brilliant! 
More details by Wei Shuan... "For those who often commute with Brompton will know how irritating to fold the bike. The clamp rotates when you loosen the lever so you must hold the clamp in place when you tighten back the lever. My simple DIY will solve your problem. All you need is just stick a small piece of aluminium sheet (I got from Daiso) onto the clamp and add a spring (which I dismantled from hand soap dispenser). With this modification, I can now easily fold/unfold my Brompton while keeping the clamps in position at all time."

Freeway or jam? .....your choice

This photo by Roland speaks volumes of the nightmare I go through daily. Jams. Why not ride instead? I have to drop my daughter at childcare which is about 5 km from my home. And I work at the other side of the country...  It takes me about in a good day 1hour 20min to reach work from Punggol to Jurong international business park. Many times the feeling is like a giant carpark... where cars just inch along. It sucks and suck bigtime.
My Van COE runs out in 2 years time... perhaps I should relook into cycling to work... I think at least I get some exercise as well.

Jam... what jam?                Photo credits Roland aka GV Sealion 

Improve the aesthetics of the traffic light ?????

I am product designer and also a avid cyclist. I think I would like to be first, safe on the road thank you. Traffic light beautiful or not... while is important... but please keep us cyclist and road users safe first!  I read.. "The redesign will cost LTA at least $70 000"... could this money be used in more pressing issues?

taken from Straits Times  - Photo credit Calvin Boo 

Hi tech way for kids to learn riding... and more

Gyrowheel attachment for kids to learn cycling  -- Photo credit Gyrobike-Europe

http://www.gyrobike-europe.com/   << in case u want to learn more
And surprise!! u can get it in Singapore too! https://www.facebook.com/thelittlebikeshop/posts/176045819168582

This is First Rider and momo "got the balance" from this bike!

Found this online which is a Gyro wheel that supposely makes it easier for children to learn cycling. You can even modulate the gyro forces so that the child can slowly "wean" off the aid.... hmmm
Well I think it just might work! But frankly it is more than the products that will make ur child cycle...
Equipment aside, the most important element is love and patience. I know as Daddies, we like to get the little one as quickly up to speed to cycle as possible.  So much so that we sometimes give so much advice and pressure... it can put them off.  I was guilty of that too :)
But kids will always be kids and they learn in their own way. That's thru play and if u make every ride fun... they will come back for more.  A little trick I do with momo, I get on my Carry me and we play "Catch" that is to ride around, near to their speed and "chase each" other... sounds stupid but she loves it.. esp if she is the leader and she will bring me around the blocks and pillars.
Enjoy the moment, even if the learning process is abit slow. And when the magical moment happens... you will be super happy!  Happy cycling!

LCSG "loyalty" card

Idea by Matt Chia

Hmmmm can we change it to Lan Ban Tao hway? This is just for laughs ok pple.. :)

Family ride at Garden by the bay

Momo just "graduated" to a 16" bicycle yesterday. We rode yesterday night immediately after buying and today morning, she asked that we go riding... so we did. Today was abit different as we went to Tanjong Rhu rather then Punggol Waterway.  Here is some photos of the action and momo new bicycle.

Brompton for mummy, Rudge 16" pinkie for Momo and I took the carryme... to fit into my van

Matching pink helmet

Matching Ringer

Pink gloves... looking for this for a long time!

Load up on Wanton Mee near TR bike before we start riding

hot day..drink up.. small tip.. put some fizzy drink dilute with water so little one will drink lots

We did it... almost to Garden by the bay!!

getting hot... 

Bicycle charm transferred to new pinkie bike...

Momo new bicycle

Just got the Pinkie 16 inch bike and posing for the camera! Momo was so eager that we went and test rode at Punggol waterway later that night! Talking about commitment!

LCSG National Day relax ride 2012

Easy relaxed and non-"Ra Ra" kind of National Day ride at Punggol Waterway. Andy very kindly brought a whole bunch of flags for all the riders who came. Every one wore Red and the mood was quite fun. After a simple safety briefing, we rolled slowly to the PCN towards Seng Kang direction. Also sang a happy birthday to Singapore, 47 Birthday!

Punggol Park was crowded with 2 running events happening. Everyone in the PCN who we rode past, turned to look at the convoy of bicycles decked out with SG flags.  We greeted the joggers, walkers by with "Good mornings and hello, happy National day" The smiles and pride was infectious. Singapore is really changing and I think is for the better.... at least I am seeing really cool SG spirit every Sunday... :)
The simple and relaxed pace allowed folks to chat, catchup and poison each other on the latest bicycle gadgets. We stopped at Punggol Park KPT for breakfast and retraced the route back to Punggol MRT. Another year has passed and for all the Quirks and issues...Singapore,  we still love you! Happy 47th Birthday! 

More photos here

Also attached in this blog, a very special song by 4 Singaporean... the song name is "I still love you"... it is really moving and this was what they wrote... 

Sometimes, it is not easy to love: whether a person, a place, or even a country. What does it take to love? Do we love only when things are perfect? Or even when things go wrong.
"I Still Love You" is a creative collaboration between Monster Cloud Films, Blotch Studios, Richopus Music, Galvin Sng, and many others... involving a cast and crew of more than 70 people, and featuring the heartlands of Singapore. This is Singapore, as we know it. This is our song for Singapore, the place where we belong.
Happy National Day, Singapore! 

P.S: I Still Love You
Know more about us at:
Galvin Sng (the composer)
http://www.galvs.net
http://www.facebook.com/galvinsng"

Andy Yap, LCSG Angel and Master Sweeper

LCSG @ Punggol Bridge 2012