Ornaments for bicycles?

Jaguar of old... 

Cars have always been a symbol of prestige for many and the ornament on the hood is of particular importance. Check out the Logo evolution of the Jaguar brand which as a designer I appreciate for keeping the DNA relatively consistent.
Why you may ask, is a car brand being placed and discussed about in a bicycle blog? Well, I was just wondering if status could be "conferred" by a Logo, animal.. how would that work on a bicycle. Not from a performance enhancing point of view but a statement of why we ride...
A quick google search and this was what I found. Pretty cool and friendly. In contrast to the macho-lismo types we see on cars.  Check out this awesome work by Mawenn Castellan

Photo credits - Mocoloco 

Photo credits - Mocoloco

hmmm perhaps this is an area where design can help make a nice statement about why cycling is inherently different from say driving.... What would be a symbol for u to put on the bicycle?

Tomorrow Yellow BF nameplate

Steven Tang customised nameplate... which he lives by.. I like this best 

Handmade by 4 autistic children and their mums.... want to get it? .. contact Esther Lim  

Rider Profile - Ong Sze Sze

Sze Sze( in Ninja black) with her cycling kakis 

* Tell me about yourself

Hi all~

So by day I'm a digital creative and any time outside of work I'm a daydreamer, art-tinkerer (http://sswoss.blogspot.com) and a misadventure magnet. The best ones to date would include getting stuck in the desert overnight, flying off a sled (http://youtu.be/FYwYDjaoWgE) and falling into drains. I find these misadventures hilarious and they put my life in perspective. However that does make me very paranoid about cycling on the roads and riding in groups. I would hate causing serious accidents and dragging everyone down. 

* How did you start cycling?

My mom believes that cycling is a must-have skill as she does her grocery shopping on her bike. So when I was 9, she borrowed a bicycle that was two sizes smaller for me to practice on. Since it was so small, I didn't worry about falling over but I did get a lot of bruises on my knee from hitting the handlebar all the time. It was fun and soon I graduated to using her market bike.

* Why do you like cycling?

Cycling gets me further than running does. I started with running and extended the distances and areas that I would run just to see things. Indeed cycling got me much further, lost in all sorts of places. One time I was trapped on a narrow footpath right next to a highway. It was so narrow I couldn't turn my bike around. Weirds things I do too much. And frankly I push & carry my bike 30% of the time that I ride solo.

One day I met Ivan, Diane, Ro & Okky at Lifecycle when I was there to get fenders for my bike. They were! kind enough to invite me to join them on their Saturday rides (on the road - next to cars). WOOT thrill level heightened. It's good road discipline training for me plus I have to constantly keep a mental note to stay out of accidents. I would say they had a few heart stopping moments with me. (Aye sorry abt that.)

* When u met LCSG - how was it like and how did you meet us?

Chelsea encouraged me to join LCSG! It was a ride up to some talk and appreciation session. It was interesting to see so many people in cycling jerseys. I remembered seeing Ro on her Carryme and her white Bern helmet. Very cool! 

* Your steel horses- names and more details.

1st bike : Magna Excitor MTB

It was one of those cheap brands from Target that I purchased in Colorado when I relocated there. I had plenty of goofy adventures with it, plus a big scar for souvenir. 

2nd bike :Tern Link C7. 

It's a beginners bike and prolly too heavy to carry around for alot of people. Other seasoned cyclists have laughed at my slow bike but I think it's a user problem ;) It's super comfortable & sturdy - and I've done mini dualthon and mini bike race on it. Not uber fast but it does its job well. So don't try to poison me, I don't need a new bike to race with. I just need to train my legs more!

*Your favorite cycling kakis

It's actually my parents. Sometimes I get too engrossed in my own life and forget to ask about theirs. Riding with them makes me treasure the fact that I have my parents well and alive. Of course, next would be the Sat coffee riders.

* Your favourite cycling route and LCSG ride

Anything PCN. 

* Your role at LCSG

! Random rider. 

* Tips to share with fellow riders

Don't ride like me! LOL

* Who would u like to see being featured in Smallwheelbigsmile? Arrow someone to be featured...

Chelsea? Okky? Bless arrowed Okky but I have not seen his article!! 

Ok that's all. Thanks Taiwoon!

22nd Sept 2012 LCSG Night 128km Round island ride

The much awaited LCSG 128 km night ride finally came.
Photos are all here.   Route we took is here. 
This time prior the ride, we decided to do it with qualifying timing. Reason being with the last few 128km ride, the groups were strung out very far, which made the sweepers task very very challenging. Over the last 2 months, many"Q" rides were organized by the Westie warriors, Eastie bunnies and also PNR. The Qualifying ride was a 50km under 2.5hrs... and all made it. This training made the transition to 128km so much smoother.
Thanks to Boon Chun... we also have video footage(yeahhh!!)  to remember the nice 128 ride!

The route around our Sunny island

Register and emergency contact... just in case 

PNR information counter.. 

As the people came in, West Coast Park Mac Donalds was bustling with activities. Those who came later had trouble find parking... so next time come earlier:)  Registration was handled ably by Andy and Zack and for Team PNR, Lisa and Tiger did it with min fuss.
Every one was laughing and raring to go! Zack did the safety briefing- obey traffic lights, no beating of red lights and I shared again about the LCSG spirit. This is not a race. We ride as a team, eat as a team and complete as a team.

Andy and Zack manning the registration 

Speedy Gonzales team

Speedy Gonzales led by Zack, assisted by Uncle KC and Ming Zhi went first. They skipped many stop s and their first pitstop was at Kranji 7-11. They were so quick that by 2 am, they completed and was thinking if they should do another round...  gulp.

Team Wild Boar

Vince doing a great job leading Team Wildboar

Team Wildboar was led by Vince Li, assisted by Louis Lee and Ming Tian. Also made good time and chop chop finish the ride by 3 ish.

Team Turtle 

Lighted like Xmas trees.. but for a good reason!

Team Turtle Led by Encik George Lim, assisted by Boon Chun and Boo very rude went on a ride and very very shiong eating expedition. They even stopped at Chinatown in the early morning to have a super duper porridge. Steady lah.

Team Snail

How it looks from the rear

Team Snail was intitally led by Darren Siow who knows the West section of SG very well. Thanks mate for stepping up. Assisted by Desmond Chia, Andy and myself. The team made good time and I was very impressed by the overall cohesion. Ejin Brompton gears was stuck in gear 5 and she still kept on going. Many of us had sore bums but we gamely pressed on. Nice. Even nicer when George Kee drove behind us taking photos and providing some level of safety. Thanks George!

Team PNR 1 and 2 were impressive. With their yellow black jersey combo, walkie talkies and flashing lights... it felt like an army operation. Their smilies and laughter was quite infectious too. Esp when we gathered at the pitstop and chit chat. They were very very prepared, Keng Yong and Edmund drove safety vehicles loaded with drinks. So when the group stopped... the riders could get the hydration easily. Very thoughtful and excellent planning. Well done PNR team!

Overall,  I am very impressed by the level of fitness and kampong spirit. Leaving no man behind and riding as a team. Also with the kindness by many folks. GL and his family stood at the Admiralty MRT waiting with bananas at hand.. that was quite a special moment for me. Thank you GL and family!

GL , Peifern and his two Angels.. cheering us on! How cool is that? 

The "Q" rides definitely helped and let's keep the LCSG kampong spirit burning proud and strong.  Hmmm... maybe we must add more challenge to this event.. maybe KODH section too? hahah. ... rock on!

Yeahhhhh we did it!

 

Taken from the Parliment of Singapore website

View this Sitting's Official Report in Full

Parliament No: 12 Session No: 1 Volume No: 89 Sitting No: 6 Sitting Date: 10-09-2012 Section Name: Oral Answers to Questions Title: National Strategy to Promote Safe Cycling on the Roads MPs Speaking: Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong, Dr Janil Puthucheary, Mr Yee Jenn Jong, Mr Nicholas Fang, Ms Janice Koh, Dr Lim Wee Kiak, The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport (Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim), Mr Speaker

NATIONAL STRATEGY TO PROMOTE SAFE CYCLING ON THE ROADS

The following question stood in the name of Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong

8 Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong asked the Minister for Transport (a) whether cycling is included in the Ministry's transport and infrastructure policy; (b) whether the Ministry has planned for the rising number of cyclists on the roads; and (c) whether a comprehensive and coordinated national strategy to promote cycling as a mode of transport will be introduced, including developing bike-friendly infrastructure and a regulatory framework for cycling.

9 Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong asked the Minister for Transport whether the Ministry has conducted a systematic study on how other developed cities with busy roads have integrated cycling into the traffic system with a coordinated network of lanes, road signages, road markings and traffic signals and, if so, what practical lessons have been drawn that can be implemented in Singapore.

10 Dr Janil Puthucheary asked the Minister for Transport (a) what measures does the Ministry intend to adopt to increase the safety of cyclists and reduce the risk of accidents on the roads; (b) whether the Ministry foresees a greater proportion of Singaporeans utilising cycling primarily as a means of transport; and (c) if so, how does the Ministry intend to plan for this shift in behaviour.

11 Mr Yee Jenn Jong asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the outcome of the $43 million pilot programme undertaken by the Ministry since 2009 to design and construct dedicated cycling paths in the five selected HDB towns of Tampines, Pasir Ris, Taman Jurong, Sembawang and Yishun; (b) whether there will be a detailed public report on the outcome of the programme; (c) what are the lessons learnt that can be applied to having similar cycling paths or cycling lanes in the rest of Singapore; and (d) what other lessons have the Cycling Facilitation Committee learnt that may be applied to improving safety for both cyclists and other road users.

12 Mr Nicholas Fang asked the Minister for Transport given the current regulations requiring motorists to undergo training and testing before being licensed to go on the road, whether it is possible to (i) put in place a similar requirement for all cyclists to undergo training and education on safe road use before being allowed to take to the roads; and (ii) increase information for motorists on how to drive safely in relation to cyclists in order to reduce the number of accidents involving cyclists on Singapore roads.

13 Ms Janice Koh asked the Minister for Transport (a) what is the number of reported traffic accidents between pedal cyclists and motorists each year since 2008; (b) how many such fatalities have resulted each year since 2008; (c) what are the main causes of such accidents; and (d) whether there is a need to re-consider calls for bicycle-lane markings or dedicated cycling lanes on our roads to better protect our pedal cyclists.

14 Ms Irene Ng Phek Hoong asked the Minister for Transport given the increasing number of cyclists on the roads (a) what are the Ministry's plans for improving road safety for cyclists; (b) whether a campaign will be mounted to change the attitudes of motorists towards cyclists and to condition motorists to look out for them; and (c) whether the Ministry will review the penalty framework for driving offences that cause death to pedestrians and cyclists.

15 Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked the Minister for Transport in view of the recent spate of traffic accidents including fatalities involving cyclists and motorists on Singapore roads (a) what measures have been taken in the last five years; and (b) what additional measures are in the pipeline to curb such injuries and loss of lives.

16 Dr Janil Puthucheary asked the Minister for Transport (a) how many cyclists were killed in the last five years as a result of traffic accidents; (b) of these accidents, in how many cases were the cyclists deemed to be at fault; (c) whether the Traffic Police will consider publishing a list of cycling accident black spots; (d) how does the usual punishment for a driver causing the death of a cyclist compare with other criminal offences where a death was unintentionally caused; and (e) whether the Ministry will consider reviewing the $20 composition fine on errant cyclists who are found to have flouted rules.

Dr Janil Puthucheary (Pasir Ris-Punggol): Question No 8, Sir.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Transport (Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim) (for the Minister for Transport): Mr Speaker, Sir, may I have your permission to take Question Nos 8 to16 together?

Mr Speaker: Yes, please.

Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Sir, I thank Members for their questions on cycling. In recent years, recognising its increasing popularity, my Ministry has taken active steps to facilitate cycling as a mode of transport, starting with a $43 million pilot programme in 2009 to construct dedicated cycling paths in five selected HDB towns − Tampines, Pasir Ris, Taman Jurong, Sembawang and Yishun. We have since expanded it to seven towns with Bedok and Changi-Simei coming on board. Now, under our National Cycling Plan and with the support of our partner agencies, we will also be rolling out basic cycling infrastructure in all new developments − in the new Marina Bay area, new housing estates, as well as during major estate upgrading programmes under the Remaking our Heartland (ROH) initiative by HDB.

These plans take time to roll out but already, we have provided 6.4 km of dedicated cycling paths in the first five cycling towns. By 2014, this will increase to well over 50 km in our HDB towns. In addition, LTA has recently provided 1.5 km of cycling paths along the perimeter roads of the new Gardens by the Bay, and the plan is to provide up to 16 km of cycling paths in the Marina Bay downtown area as the area develops.

These cycling paths that we are building are dedicated off-road paths, allowing us to segregate cyclists from on-road vehicles, as well as separating pedestrians from cyclists. We are investing in such cycling paths as they are safer for cyclists of all proficiencies, cater to the most number of users, and are generally planned to cater to short intra-town cycling trips, for example, to key amenities and transport nodes like MRT stations and bus interchanges.

We recognise that some cycling commuting trips are made between towns. For these less prevalent trips, we will look into linking up the intra-town cycling paths. Where appropriate, we will capitalise on the Park Connector Network, which will eventually allow us to achieve a larger, safe cycling network that can cater to longer-distance travel.

There have also been calls for the Government to do more for on-road cycling. In Singapore, land is a scarce commodity and, I dare say, road space is even scarcer. Most of our roads today are optimally sized for traffic conditions, and adding a dedicated lane for non-motorised traffic would require additional land, or the narrowing of existing vehicle lanes, with attendant adverse traffic impact. Given our circumstances, we have therefore prioritised off-road cycling, which is safer and can cater to greater numbers of people. I hope that Members and Singaporeans will understand that there will be these trade-offs, and that the Government is unable to accommodate all the wishes of all cycling communities, but must think of larger, overall needs. However, within reasonable limits, we can see if there are specific locations where we can do more for on-road cycling.

LTA has studied many cities that have attempted to integrate cycling as part of their traffic systems. Every city has a different approach, influenced by factors such as population density, quality of public transport, land availability, cycling culture, traffic speed, and so on. Some cities in China, Denmark and the Netherlands take a similar approach as us where cycling lanes are essentially separated and protected from vehicular traffic, while cities in the US and UK have implemented unprotected cycling lanes, which are regarded as being less safe. We will continue to study other cities’ approaches, and are prepared to pilot some of their ideas where feasible in Singapore.

Ms Janice Koh, Dr Lim Wee Kiak and Dr Janil Puthucheary expressed concerns about traffic accidents involving cyclists. I share their concerns. The total number of reported fatal and injury accidents where cyclists are involved has declined by 17% between 2008 and 2011. Cyclists were found to be at least partly at fault for about half of these accidents. The number of cyclist fatalities averaged 18 per year over the same period from 2008 to 2011. Since the beginning of this year, there have been 11 cyclist fatalities.

Every fatality, cyclist, pedestrian or otherwise, is one too many, and I share Members’ sentiments that we should minimise them. All road users, be it cyclists, motorists or pedestrians, need to play their part in this. The common causes of accidents attributable to cyclists or other road users include: failing to keep a proper look-out, disobeying traffic light signals, and failing to give way to traffic with the right of way. The Cycling Facilitation Committee (CFC), started by Minister of State Mr Teo Ser Luck, recognised that public education is key in shaping cyclists’ behaviour. The CFC advocates a community-led approach to do so, and the volunteer cycling wardens that you see in some HDB towns is part of this approach.

Mr Nicholas Fang asked if the Traffic Police should require cyclists to undergo training and education on safe road use before being allowed to take to the roads. Since the profile of cyclists ranges from school children to senior citizens, from foreign workers to persons who pursue cycling as a sport, the Traffic Police’s approach is to engage cyclists within the different groups and impart relevant knowledge on safe road use to them through targeted platforms, rather than instituting a formal training and licensing regime. Efforts have been stepped up to educate the community on safe cycling practices and road rules. In the first half of 2012, 150 sessions of road safety talks in schools, workers’ dormitories and at community-level events have been conducted, and 15 safe cycling exhibitions were held. At these events, “Safe Cycling Guides”, containing information on proper riding apparel, safe cycling and road sharing tips, are distributed to participants. A recent collaboration between the Traffic Police and the Singapore Sports Council included the production of a 10-minute safe cycling video entitled “Gear Up! Safety begins with me”. LTA will also be producing an “Intra-Town Cycling” handbook as a reference for good cycling etiquette and to share safety tips. I am taking a personal interest in this area and will work with key stakeholders and relevant Government agencies to see if more can be done to improve safety.

Motorists, during learner driver training, are taught various safety considerations towards cyclists on the roads. Drivers are taught to give ample room to cyclists, especially when passing them. Drivers are also taught not to make sharp turns at corners, and to slow down and give way to vulnerable road users, which include cyclists. It is a strict requirement for learner drivers to check their blind spots before making a lane change or a turn. This is to ensure that drivers are aware of any motorcyclists and pedal cyclists who might be riding alongside. We have noted the suggestions raised by Ms Irene Ng and Mr Nicholas Fang and are studying further education measures with the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Traffic Police to inculcate a safe road sharing mindset amongst motorists and cyclists alike.

On the enforcement front, the Traffic Police will continue to maintain ground presence to ensure that cyclists and motorists abide by traffic rules. Firm action will be taken against those who display dangerous road behaviour such as driving or riding without due regard to the safety of others. We also urge cyclists to recognise their own vulnerability in relation to motorised traffic.

Ms Irene Ng and Dr Janil asked about the penalties for errant motorists and cyclists. A driver who unintentionally causes the death of a person in a road traffic accident may be charged under the Penal Code or the Road Traffic Act depending on the circumstances of the case and the degree of culpability. A convicted driver will be punished with an imprisonment term of up to five years, or with a fine, or both. These persons will also be disqualified from driving for a period of time.

Similar considerations are applicable to other types of criminal offences where a death was unintentionally caused and where the person is also charged under the Penal Code. The Police periodically review its penalty framework for all offences, and will continue to monitor the situation carefully.

Cyclists who flout traffic rules will be issued summonses. Depending on the circumstances, a cyclist may be offered a composition amount of $20 for the offences. In the case where a person was hurt, the cyclist may be prosecuted in Court under the Penal Code for endangering the safety of others by rash riding, and they will face larger fines or even imprisonment. MHA 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.

To sum up, we will continue to give priority to our efforts to develop off-road cycling paths to facilitate intra-town cycling. We will also review if we can do a little more on the infrastructure front to facilitate on-road cycling. Beyond infrastructure, it is also important for us to inculcate good cycling habits and responsible driving through public education supplemented by an effective regulatory regime. It is my hope that over time, we will be able to engender a good cycling and driving culture that allows for mutual understanding, basic courtesy and, more importantly, a safe environment for all road users.

In the coming months, I intend to meet more of the different stakeholders to better understand their viewpoints and to see whether we need to review the approach that we have taken so far and the provisions that we have made to facilitate cycling in Singapore.

Dr Lim Wee Kiak (Nee Soon): Mr Speaker, Sir, let me thank and congratulate the Parliamentary Secretary for his maiden reply in this House.

I would like to ask a simple supplementary question regarding whether his Ministry would consider designating certain roads, especially on weekends and public holidays, for cycling. At least to reserve one lane, especially on roads that are less used in the catchment areas such as Mandai or even in the Changi area. These are the frequent haunts of recreational cyclists. I do not think that recreational cyclists will want to cycle on cycling tracks so I hope the Ministry can consider that.

Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Sir, I would like to thank the Member for the suggestion. As I am doing my engagement process today and beyond today, I will take that as feedback and suggestion. I will take note of this when we review our plan.

But, Sir, beyond providing space for our cyclists, motorists and pedestrians, what is important is for us to have a caring attitude, to develop a caring attitude amongst Singaporeans. Since my Facebook posting, I received many views and suggestions from Singaporeans to improve road safety. I have also met cyclists, motorists and pedestrians. One issue that resonates deeply amongst us is the need to care for one another.

I mentioned earlier one death is too many. In fact, I find that one injury is also too many. Any death and accident affect that individual as well as their friends and families. It may affect their physical abilities. At the same time, it will also affect their friends, their livelihood, the way they live with their family. I remember one of my friends who was paralysed from a traffic accident. He was a money-changer. His livelihood just changed totally. At the same time, his family was affected badly. Sometimes when I travel around along the expressway, I see this message “Drive safety, think of your loved ones”. This connects very well with me and connects with many Singaporeans. It reminds us to be careful, to take care of one another, to take care of the person driving in front of you, beside you, behind you and those who are walking along the pedestrian walkway and the motorists that are sharing the road with you. Wherever possible, we should care for one another.

With this attitude, it is important for us to see how we can develop, continue this journey of caring for one another. Sometimes, I think the people who are next to me are going to visit their loved ones, the person who is behind me going to visit their friends, meet their friends to have a good time, or to visit their aged parents. Thus, it is important for us to continue this effort to develop a caring community, and I feel with this effort, we can keep our roads safer day after day, month after month and year after year.

Dr Janil Puthucheary (Pasir Ris-Punggol): I would like to echo the congratulations to the Parliamentary Secretary, and ask a number of supplementary questions. In the engagement and the review of the process of looking at cycling, going forward, I wonder whether the Ministry might consider the priority. The framework, as explained, is to essentially segregate traffic cyclists and pedestrians but no matter how many cycle paths we build, there will always be on-road cycling. There is just no possibility of building enough cycle paths. And given that no cyclists have killed any pedestrians and pedestrians have not been killed on cycle paths, perhaps rather than trying to significantly change the existing behaviour by building more and more cycle paths and doing a little bit more for on-road cycling, could the Ministry consider the priority might be to map funding and resources to the existing behaviour and the existing risks which is for cyclists who are being killed on the road for consideration.

The other question I have is with respect to fines. I do not advocate an increasingly strict enforcement regime to drive behaviour but I would ask if the Ministry would consider that some consistency in terms of the enforcement framework would be necessary. I give one particular example. The Parliamentary Secretary said errant cyclists flouting the rules would be fined about $20 if it was a minor infringement. Just outside Parliament House in the walkway along the river, as the walkway extends under the bridge, there is a large sign saying that cyclists have to dismount and push and if one does not, the fine is $1,000. There is a significant discrepancy for an on-road risk flouting the Highway Code and off-road courtesy and safety to pedestrians. Would the Ministry consider looking at cycling in a more holistic way to rationalise the enforcement framework?

Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Sir, I thank the Member for the good questions. As Members mentioned cycling behaviour is affected by many, many things. We feel that one of the factors to provide safe cycling is to have separate off-road cycling lanes. Beyond that, we will continue to educate the public, not only the cyclists, but the motorists and beyond to see how we can care for one another. We will continue to educate the public and, in fact, we have engaged the community widely during the community events and beyond to see how we can share cycling safety tips among the cyclists as well as for children and the elderly, when they walk along these pathways how they can detect some of the dangers coming on board in front of them.

With regards to the enforcement regime, I take the suggestion by the Member and, as I mentioned in my answer, the Traffic Police and MHA are reviewing the enforcement regime. We are going to see how we can make it commensurate with the severity of the offences.

Mr Nicholas Fang (Nominated Member): I thank the Parliamentary Secretary for the answers. I would like to raise three supplementary questions. One of the first issues that we should look at that is affecting the discussion between cyclists and other road users today is the view of what cycling is meant to be. So far, in all your answers, you make it quite clear that cycling is viewed as a way for either recreation or very short intra-town journeys. I would like to ask if the Ministry would ever consider pushing for cycling to be adopted as an alternative way of transport, especially in the CBD area. For example, I personally know a lot of people who would be happy to cycle from their homes to work if they do not live prohibitively far away. This will actually help to alleviate congestion and pollution within the CBD area. Singapore, as an environment, is very well suited. We do not have winter. We have heavy rains sometimes but by and large, we have an environment that is suitable for cycling as a mode of transport.

I would also like to thank the Parliamentary Secretary for the answers on the regulatory measures that can be implemented. I understand that the varied groups of cyclists mean that trying to put in place a cycling licence, for example, may not be ideal. But if you look at the amount of regulation that is put in place for road users in cars and the kind of strict testing that we have, it seems to me at odds with the fact somebody exposed on a bicycle, sharing those same roads with vehicles that could cause much greater damage, are not required to undergo any form of certification or systemised education. I hope that the Ministry would consider looking at that a bit more in depth because it seems out of place. Somebody in the car who, if involved in an accident is protected by the car, has to go through much more stringent requirements, than somebody who is exposed on the bicycle.

And thirdly, safety requirements such as mandatory helmets or, perhaps, reflective vests or bands, could be put in place as mandatory for all cyclists. I understand they are not at the moment. Would the Ministry consider such a measure?

Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Sir, I would like to thank the Member for his supplementary questions. He asked if we view cycling as an alternative mode of transport. Indeed, it is an alternative mode of transport, especially for the first and the last mile travel. We are encouraging intra-town travelling. And, in fact, if you look at the trend, there is a development that cycling has increased in terms of intensity in the last few years. If you go to the interchanges, MRT stations, and you look at the bicycle racks that have been provided, they are full, especially when you come to Yishun. I can see that they are highly utilised.

We are also looking at how cyclists can travel from one town to another town – inter-town. In fact, yesterday, I just met a grassroots leader who shared with me that he cycles to work from Yishun to Loyang, even though he takes one hour. But he is a different type of cyclist in the sense that he said he uses all the intra-town connections - the park connectors to the Lorong Halus and all the way to the Punggol Waterway, all the way to Loyang.

We recognise such a phenomenon and, as I have mentioned earlier, in time to come we will develop more cycling paths in the whole of Singapore. With new estates coming on board, it will be an integrated one, and we will certainly like to see how we can make it a more sustainable transport system in Singapore. We want to encourage that and, in fact, cycling is something that allows families to bond. The essence of cycling is that it has multiple purposes. Some use it for leisure, others use it for travelling within their town – to go marketing, to go to the MRT station, to work – and also there are those who do it for sports.

With regards to the rules and requirements for cyclists, we are reviewing that, as what I mentioned earlier. We understand your point and it is important for us to understand that if you look at cyclists, they range from the small kids to senior citizens, foreign workers and those who use it for sports. We are very mindful of that and we want to make sure that we reach out to the relevant segments and different segments would have a different kind of educational process. To do so, it will require us to continuously work with the community and see how we can further improve the safety as well as the infrastructure for the cycling community. The safety requirements that the Member mentioned: the helmet and the reflective bands. We have deliberated this time and time again, even during Minister of State Teo Ser Luck’s time, and the CFC is aware about this. As in my reply to the hon. Member Lim Wee Kiak, we will take on this suggestion. We will relook at it to see how we can make cycling a safer mode of transport in Singapore.

Mr Speaker: Mr Nicholas Fang, last question.

Mr Nicholas Fang: Thank you, Mr Speaker. Just one clarification, as to my first question: so would the Ministry ever consider advocating cycling as an alternative form of transport not just intra-town but from town to CBD, and actually encouraging that. That would change a lot of the way other road users view cyclists. People look at cyclists now as people who are doing it for recreation or only for short distances and hence they are not used to the idea of more cyclists on the road in the CBD and hence adjusting their behaviour accordingly.

Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim: Sir, we could look at it as a natural phenomenon, such as when I shared with you how my resident cycled from Yishun all the way to Loyang. We recognise that there are not many people doing this, possibly due to our weather and because we have an efficient public transport system whereby the MRT and the buses provide a better transport mode for our people for the majority of us. Nevertheless, we will provide the infrastructure for cyclists who may want to travel from one town to another town. It is important for us to give this choice to Singaporeans. We do not want Singaporeans to be forced to take a certain mode of transport. Most importantly, we want to encourage people to use our public transport system.

Calvin of Joyriders saying it as it is.

This was what Calvin posted on Dr Faisal Facebook after the parliment hearing...

"Dear Dr Faishal,
Whatever happened to keeping an open mind? It blows my mind that you've drawn swift conclusions and closed certain gates on all of us even before any dialogue has started. Worse still, your published statements only serve to reinforce the sense of entitlement among motorists - you have effectively given them the license to kill.

Please allow me to be very frank here. Freddy died a horrific death, and so did Jude, lest you forget. All this talk of road sharing is bull when there is no one to protect our backs. Yes, they were hit from the back, no amount of safety consciousness on their part as cyclists could have stopped their deaths. Yet you chose to not address the very issue that caused all this to start. So soon after Freddy's death and you have forgotten already? And to inflict more injury to the wounded, you talk about penalizing cyclists instead of deterrent measures to prevent more unnecessary deaths.

Would you put yourself on 2-wheels and ride the roads? If you think our roads are safe enough, would you try riding to work for a week? I'll keep you company, just you, me and the friendly peak hour traffic, no one else.

How can we, the cyclists, help to keep you focused? $43m to build market connectors is a lot of money. How much is that per kilometer? Will you spare a fraction of that to paint for us our "false sense of security"? I can tell you, when a 12tonne bus cuts you off abruptly or a 18tonne crane is bearing down on you, any sense of security is better than none. On that note, I extend the ride-to-work invitation to Minister Lui too. I can provide the bicycles if you don't have any. And if you need glasses to help you focus on the most critical issues, I have the resources to help you too. I hope to hear from you!

Regards,
Calvin, Joyriders Singapore"

And no, both Calvin nor myself have been asked to engage in dialogue as he said he would. Yet.

Rider Profile Keng Yong

Keng Yong in a good mood!

Smiling even when he has a puncture

Aero mode with the Brompton

Throw ball at camera man during LCSG Treasure hunt..haha

•Tell me about yourself
Hi everyone,My name is Keng Yong.  I work in IT operations but talking about my work will probably bore you to bits. I stayed in the east side of Singapore most of my life until I moved to Punggol in 2008. My block overlooks a popular gathering place for cyclists – Popeyes so if you need a weather outlook, just send me a PM in Facebook and I’ll try to respond to you if I’m home.

•How did you started cycling?
I learnt cycling when I was in P6 from my cousins, and remembered the 3 of us riding around their block in Bedok South on just 1 BMX. My elder cousin paddling, me on thetoptube and younger cousin standing on the sides of the rear wheel hub. It was not until Sec 1 that I got my own bike from ang pow money. The first day that I rode to school, someoneprobably tried to steal it and had instant karmic retribution. I remembered that I saw blood all over the lock cable and the rubber housing had cut marks after school. The thief must have snipped his own fingers while trying to cut the chain. After that I found a safer spot to park in school. I stopped cycling after secondary school, and it was not until early 2000s that I got another bike. It was mostly a white elephant at home though. I only started riding again more often in 2010 when I got a foldable bike and now I’m doing it more and more.

•Why do you like cycling?
I like the feel of the wind against the face, skin and hair. It conveys a sense of freedom and has a relaxing effect, especially after a bad day. One can also take in the sights, sounds and smells while in the open.

•When u met LCSG - how was it like and how u meet us
It was late 2011 (I think it was Christmas eve). I woke up early and decided to look in LCSG facebook group (just joined), and lo and behold, there was a ride and meeting place was at Popeyes. I looked out the window and saw that the group was starting to gather so Idecided to ride over to introduce myself. Although I didn’t join in that morning with LCSG, I met Taiwoon, Mary, David Ng and even a secondary school friend, Kelvin Lau! It’s quite a delight to meet people that you haven’t seen for a long time in chance meetings like this and find out that you share a common interest. Just the other day, I met Gracie Koh at the void deck of my block on the way to a ride. We’ve seen each other during Sunday rides but didn’t realize that we live in the same block!

Time flies, and it was not until end of May 2012 that I started joining LCSG Sundayrides. My only regret was not to have done so earlier. If you are like me thinking that thereare no kakis to go with on LCSG rides, my advice is just dive in. Say hi to someone and you have a new kaki.

•Your steel horses- names and more details.
1st Bike: Black bmx (grew old and rusty; thrown away)
2nd Bike: Kona Kula (sold)
3rd Bike: KHS F-20R. Super nice ride, a bit on the heavy side and can’t fold well; soldit when I got my Tikit.
4th Bike: Orange Bike Friday Express Tikit. Riding it always puts a smile on my face.
5th Bike: Cobalt blue Brompton M6R. I use this to commute to work but not often enough.
6th Bike: Yellow Carryme. It is fun. I test rode at least 10 rounds in the carpark at thebikeshop and didn’t want to get off.

Technically I ONLY have 3 bikes now…

•Other things to share.. Life motto etc
I think cycling is not just for recreation but also it is a viable form of transport in our small island. I think pedestrians, cyclists and road users must have respect for each other to share the PCNs, pathways and roads.

•Who else to feature/arrow for rider profile?
 How come I don’t see profiles of regulars like Uncle KC, Encik George? (TW: actually have.. check out Rider profile page)

Cycling Accidents in Singapore 2012 to 2014

I hate doing this... but we have to start somewhere... Documenting the cycling accidents so that we can have more information ready and to help share the danger areas with fellow cyclist. Pls help provide me with information using this template. Click on the cases to read more in detail.

Person/Name/Age,  Location , Date, Time, Vehicle type involved / Injuries/Death  

Jan 2012
Mr. Yip Kim Kong, 65, at corner of Riverside Rd & Admiralty Rd, Jan 2012 9:30am, hit by lorry, died (he was riding across the pedestrian crossing while ferrying 2 granddaughters, who ended up injured)

Feb 2012
Mr Kenneth Daniel Tan, location unknown. 3 lane carriage way. Injured

March 2012

April 2012
57 y/o man, at Lower Delta Rd (towards Bukit Merah), 4 April 2012 9:30pm, hit by car, died

May 2012
Mr Jude, 25, at Coastal Road, 26th May 2012, 0930am , Hit by a lorry from the rear (Lamp post 157)  - Died of injuries

30 year old man, Senoko South Road, 29th May 2012, Hit by Van Dead - Another cyclist seriously injured

June 2012

July 2012

Aug 2012
Cyclist, age unknown, at Jurong Central Rd, 16 Aug 2012 night time, accident involving a car
Boy Cyclist, 13, at Jurong East Ave, Wed 15 Aug 2012, 3.45pm, Hit by a Car

Freddy Khoo Tri cyclist at Loyang Road, 18th August 2012 , Hit by Lorry - Died of injuries

Cyclist, age unknown, at Serangoon Rd, 23 Aug 2012 morning, Hit by car, injured

Sept 2012
Schoolboy, 11, Balam/Circuit Road, 20th Sept 2012 3.45pm , Hit by a Lorry

Oct 2012

Nov 2012

A 46-year-old man, was cycling along the roundabout of Fort Road on Saturday night when he was hit by an unknown vehicle. He succumbed to his injuries and died at about 7pm

Dec 2012
23rd Dec - The accident happened at the junction of Lorong Marzuki and Sims Avenue East in the direction of Bedok, near Kembangan MRT station at about 7:20am. 



Jan 2013 
28th Jan 2013 2 schoolboys killed by Cement truck @ Tampines. 50 m from School 

Feb  2013 
19th Feb 2013 Cyclist dies at Tuas junction - "Police received a call today (Feb 19) at about 7.56am, requesting for assistance along Tuas slip road into Jurong Pier Road near lampost 64."


March 2013 - NIL 

April  2013 
9th April  2013 - Malay Female rider hit from the rear at Mandai road around 9pm. Suffered Spinal injuries and Blood clot in the brain.  Driver ran  off but have been arrested on Drunk driving.

May 2013 
3rd May  2013 - 12.10am (Midnite)
Construction worker Chen Gan Rong, 46, had been riding his bicycle from International Road towards Pioneer Road when he was hit by the SBS bus at the intersection with Jalan Boon Lay. Mr Chen went flying and his body landed 20 metres away. Strewn near Mr Chen's body was his mobile phone, slippers and bicycle chain.
The deceased's colleagues, boss and younger brother -- a total of 10 people, rushed to the scene. Wanbao reporters at the scene saw that the right side of the bus' front windshield had been smashed, and there were five scratches on the side of the bus, believed to have been caused by a car accident.


4th May 2013 - Mid night 
Malaysian Tan Kian Eang, 45, was not so lucky early yesterday morning, as his bicycle was involved in a collision with an SBS Transit bus at the junction of Jalan Boon Lay and International Road.

4th May 2013 - Cyclist accident at Coastal road.  More on Straits Time 
10.30 am. 29 year old Briton cycling and rammed onto a Stationary Lorry. 

18th Sept 2013 - National Cyclist - Dinah Chan collided with oncoming car at East Coast park Service road. In hospital and in stable condition

30th Oct 2013
Cyclists hit by a car at Bukit Merah town centre while trying to drive toward multi story carpark

2014 
22nd Feb 2014 - Hit and run case at Lornie Road. Culprit is found!

23rd Feb 2014 Roadie sideswiped by Trailer at Jalan Buroh

25th Feb 2014  Hit and Run case at Loyang. Rider in Critical stag

16th March 2014  Cyclist aged 44 dies after being hit by a lorry at Paya lebar road 

23rd June 2014  Primer mover kills man on bicycle 

14th July 2014 - Road biker involved in road accident dies. Location is at Seletar reservoir / Mandai road junction.  Confirmed by George Lim but not reported on local newpaper. 

24th May 2014 - 35 year old indian Cyclist, believed to be a ship yard worker who was on his work.  Dies in an accident with a lorry around 7am. More details here 

18th July 2014 - Malay man age 60 on his way to break fast, gets run over by truck at middle road/victoria road. 

13th Oct 2014 - 17 year old tri athlete hit by lorry at Woodlands Ave 12. Compression fractures and in 7 veterbrae and fractured hip bone. Dad looking for witness in the accidents