Connecting people, one event at a time. Rock on Lovecyclingsg and Nparks!

Together, we can make our home a better place to live.  Glad to be part of a team that help make this happen! :) 

https://www.facebook.com/nparksbuzz
http://smallwheelsbigsmile.blogspot.sg/2015/01/loveyclingsg-and-nparks-planting-event.html

Loveyclingsg and Nparks planting event 25th Jan 2015

Photo link is here 
LCSG event link here 
They say the best way to show what is community spirit is simply to do it. This Sunday, we met early morning to do just that.  To replant a stretch of Tampines PCN and help Nparks team make our environment more beautiful. 

Mini Changku!  

Close to 40 folks turn up with their children in tow. We had a briefing by the Nparks team on the proper way of planting and just did it. 
It looked a lot easier than it was. Lots of sweating but I could hear laughter and chatter as we potted the plants... so I guess if I do it again... I would be able to see some more people haha. 






I like this saying very much and in a way we did a little of this...:)
 前人种树，后人乘凉 (forefather plant trees, for the future generation to have shade).
We planted close to 1300 plants with the help of the Nparks team and it was really nice of them to provide some light refreshment for the lovecyclingsg folks.  I have gained a new found respect also for the gardeners who helped maintain the PCN shrubs and greenery. Its not easy and to do this day in an out.  Thank you Nparks for such an nice and meaningful opportunity. Till the next time. Take care!

Who to call if u see trees fallen at PCN

Some good information to keep handy. When u see fallen trees,  broken PCN or damaged equipment in PCN .... Call 1800-471-7300
More details at Diane's blog 

If u need to feedback to Nparks.... 

Celebrating small wins!

Celebrating small wins! The bridge near Yio Chun Kang road/AMK features a ramp for bicycle. Photo credit Tan Soo Meng. SG is changing slowly to be more bike friendly. This is a good example! Hope to see more bike infrastructure in our neighbour hood!

My feedback to Straits Time on Nparks and Brompton

My comments on Straits Time 14th July 2012  photo by Francis Chu

http://www.straitstimes.com/STForum/OnlineStory/STIStory_821968.html   << u can read here. There is slight editing from the Straitstime editor on my comments. Especially on my title. But I guess it is really out off my hands.  
From: woon taiwoon <twwoon@singnet.com.sg>
Date: July 12, 2012 PM 10:59:01 GMT+08:00
To: stforum@sph.com.sg
Subject: Kudos to Npark PCN team 
I live in Punggol and have personally seen the wonderful PCN grow and become a popular place for many families,  joggers and cyclists alike. It makes me very happy to see more and more PCN been built all across the county which makes a real joy to cycle around. The numerous extension in PCN routes in my opinion have played a major role in the explosion of  cycling activities.  I find myself going to the parks more regularly to cycle at the PCN and enjoy the nice scenery.  I have even brought my overseas friends to experience the PCN and they were all very impressed by the parks landscaping and bike paths.
In my personal engagement with Nparks when there are issues (for example fallen trees or flooding), I have seen very prompt action using social media(facebook). The speed of the response at one particular incident was very impressive. I tagged the Npark team on route and when we returned, the fallen tree was already removed! Well done Nparks PCN team!
As the parks connectors grows in size, I could already see their challenges. It becomes extremely challenging for their staff to effectively cover all the ground on foot.  I have seen personally the Npark staff walked the entire route to investigate the issue reported which the distance can be very tiring to walk.
Recently, Nparks was quoted to have purchased 26 Bromptons and while I understand the public sentiments on the cost of the bicycle. There is really a difference in ride, build quality and also the fold(for multi modal transport) compared to the other bikes. Personally after owning a number of  folding bicycles like Brompton, Flamingo to Bike fridays. I can vouch for the Brompton strengths in the durability (u can find 15 year old bromptons which is still rideable),  in the fold for MRT/bus mode.
Granted that there are still room to improve on the PCN, Let us give credit where it is due. Nparks PCN team have done a great job in making the parks more engaging and fun for all. Thank you for your tireless efforts and  please keep up the great work!
Name: Woon Taiwoon
IC No: S7########H
HP No: 9########

LCSG safecycling Clinic 8th July 2012

LCSG safecycling Clinic 8th July 2012, a set on Flickr.

A total of 80 riders came!  Even though in the early morning, showers threatened to make it difficult to ruin the event. But heavens was kind to us and the weather turned fine as the event started around 830am.  This year's  effort was led superbly by Boon Yeo and his buddies Boo, Clarence, Louis, Vince, Tiger Wan, Eddie, Diane, Steven Tang. Learning from the last year Safety Clinic, LCSG team decided to make it more interactive so that the information and knowledge can be better understood by the participants.
One added area which was introduced this year was a pre-ride check. Boon shared on the basic but important areas. Check the tyre pressure, check the brakes by pushing against them. Checking the lights have fresh batteries and also if possible to wear a helmet and have a medical kit ready.
A particular area of the memorable demo was when Vince demonstrated the negative ways. Dark tees, not paying attention to the road and wearing flip flops. It generated lots of laughter but got the message across simply. Nicely done! After the briefing, we all headed out to the various stations to learn by doing.
Station 1 was manned by Eddie Lim and Tiger Wan. They focused on proper hand signals and road positioning as a single rider and also group riding. Followed by a group demo ride to learn the hand signals which will help in the cycling group safety and coordination.
Station 2 was manned by Boo and Diane. The focus was on safety on the left/ going front junctions. Boo shared on the procedures of a proper turning, what to look out for and where to position yourself so as to avoid getting into an accidents. Diane shared her method as well which was "if u are not confident, get to the pavement and use the traffic light" This is esp. important for the folks with children as they need more time to react and no as confident on the route. Another aspect which was highlighted in the practical lesson was checking back for traffic and signaling your intention early.
Clarence, Vince and Boon Yeo manned the 3rd Station which focused on the Bus stop areas. How to react and make it safe to clear the area and continue with the journey.
After the session, we had a much needed Tea break kindly provided by Nparks and had a good time touching base and chatting on what was just taught. With the bellies filled, we proceed to be updated by Bernard Lim of Nparks on the park connector development. He shared on the challenges and future PCN in the development. Also how to better feedback issues to Nparks using the lamp post markings to describe the location. It is exciting to see more routes being planned for recreation. To make the PCN experience better, he shared ways to ride with more considerations to other park users. Many also signed up for the Npark newsletter update so that they can be keep informed on the PCN developments and events.
We ended around noon time with a expert sharing by Francis, uncle KC and George Lim. Of course, the LCSG pose too. Today event warmed my heart. I could see the team growing. Folks like Boon Yeo stepping up and making amazing effort to engage and share.  Fantastic! This is the magic of LCSG! Well done guys!

Singapore Park Connector map and exciting times.

coming together now...

looking good!

We don't have bike paths in Singapore but we have a hybrid of sorts. It is called the park connector system(PCN) which skirts around most neighbourhoods. The folks led by Bernard Lim at NParks have been working steadily to link more of them together so that the whole of Singapore can transverse using the PCN.  Yes I know it is still not the same as bike paths and many areas are still not served...But let's give them the affirmation and credit for making the inroads. On Saturday morning, Lovecyclingsg will gather at Punggol Jetty and do a short ride(with HPA) in support of Nparksnorth eastern route. Details here. Together, let's make it better!

Rider profile - Bernard Lim

Bernard tong panging the handy man! 

Bernard @ LCSG Lelong day

Punggol PCN Recce with LCSG riders for feedback 

Evaluating the corners and danger areas. How can we make is fun and safe for cyclists. 

You should have seen Bernard Lim on some rides, sometimes on a yellow brompton or a carryme(I heard he sold it off after he superman once). The tall and lanky dude also recently sold his car and cycle commute to work!  

A sincere and passionate guy who is doing his very best to make the PCNs as cool and fun as it can be. Pls give him a pat on the back, shake his hand for the cool work he and his team has done for PCNs.  Bernard, thank you very much for involving LCSG on the PCNs discussions and hear from the cyclists directly on their concerns and issues. Keep on rolling! We are here to help!

Rider profile

• Tell me about yourself...
 I have been involved in sports all my life but mainly rugby, golf in the last 20 years and now cycling (again) since Dec 2010 (1 year ago!). 

• How did you started cycling (again)

 Because of this new portfolio, I picked up cycling again....and they say the rest is history.....to date I have gone through more than 10 bicycles myself.......and am still searching for that NICER bike.........

• Why do you like cycling?

1. economical - buy it once and thats it...no need to pay for anything else (except if you itchy fingers and zhng and zhng

2. low barriers to entry once you buy the bike

3. you can cycle anytime anywhere and alone or if anyone

4.  I used to think networking from Golf was good....but I tell you now, networking from Cycling is much better

• When u met LCSG - how was it like and how u meet us

 I guess the first meeting was with Francis Chu - he came to my office and I was introduced to him.  Then we met at the Japan Charity ride at West Coast Park.  Subsequently we met on National Day at Punggol for the National Day Ride....

LCSG is a nice family oriented bunch of recreational cyclists - I hope LCSG stays to its core objectives, which is to keep cycling free, fun and non-exclusive and SAFE......well done!

• Your steel horses- names and more details.

 sssshhhhh  secret cos I still haven't found what I am looking for......but I do ride a Brompton to commute, and trying to ride old steelers (for show only) and to dabble in a few vintage ones (to appreciate craftmanship and heritage).  Just bought a BMX from Tiger Tang which I shall now call it TIGER!

• Your favorite cycling kakis

Has to be Albert who introduced me to the Brompton and Uncle Thomas Soh (we ride most often recently as we stay near each other) who is retired and I wish I am retired too........

• Your favorite cycling route and LCSG ride

 Anywhere in Punggol (North Eastern Loop) for the PCN

Sentosa (it is one of the best cos very few cars)

Sorry have not gone overseas to ride yet but soon

• Your role at LCSG/ Nparks 

I am a salaried worker like most people, so I try to find the fun in what I do...and managing the park connectors island-wide can be a fun and challenging job.  Most of the time the fun compensates for the *&@# that happens backend - but that's normal...

• Your feelings after and during organising LCSG rides

 Safety is always paramount.  So seeing happy faces gives you a sense of satisfaction especially when short cuts are discovered, and good food is shared.  Being safe is the priority after each ride.

• Tips to share with fellow riders

Ride Safe, ride smart, be bright (at night).  be a considerate rider.  Know your limits and follow your own instincts.  Don't fall trap to the herd mentality especially when "cheonging" traffic lights / zebra crossings...

•Life motto 

 Have fun.  Work with Passion and be a little bit of a risk taker.otherwise Life will just be a boring journey......

Bernard LIM