Safe cycling program based off Bikeability

We shared this with Sportscouncil and a few agencies 2 years ago to help create a National wide cycling program. The aim is to have a practical cycling education program that is effective and not "wayang". Here's my proposal for LCSG

Safecycling program 2013 from Woon Taiwoon

Cycling paths for towns. Tampines leads the way!

I saw this posting on MP Irene Ng Facebook wall. Yes, it felt a bit "self promotional" but taking another view, it sure does help improve the overall cyclebility in Tampines. 
It makes me happy that cycling is being embraced as an alternative way to get around. Sure there will be issues but everything new will have their problems. I sincerely hope beyond Tampines,more towns will adopt the best practices from Tampines. That's what MP Irene Ng posted. Have a look and really like to hear your views.

MP Irene Ng cycling with the residents 

L-R  LTA Mr Chew, MP Irene Ng, Dr Faisal 

"Promoting cycling also benefits those who do not cycle. How? When residents ride the bicycle instead of driving a car, they reduce the number of cars on the road. This means less traffic, less parking problems, cleaner air and a greener environment for all.

When residents cycle instead of taking the feeder buses, they reduce the congestion on buses. This means a more pleasant journey on buses and with shorter waiting times for commuters. Other benefits are: A healthier population and a more sustainable town.

Since Tampines was officially declared Singapore’s first cycling town in 2010, after a two-year trial, we have made much progress.

We improved our cycling infrastructure, stepped up on our enforcement of errant cyclists, and promoted safe cycling through our volunteer cycling wardens and Tampines Cycling Club. Cycling has indeed become a convenient way of getting about within the neighbourhood.

Every day I look around Tampines and I see more and more residents cycling to the market, to the coffeeshops, to the MRT station, to schools and parks. Many use bicycles for short daily errands. They include housewives, the elderly and students.

An increasing number is also taking to cycling for sport and recreation, cycling to Pasir Ris Park or the parks in other towns using the park connector network.

A big thank you to residents in Tampines for supporting this bold vision of becoming a model cycling town in Singapore."

MP Irene Ng

Stiffer Penalties for cyclists is the solution?

I just find that if our folks in power do not experience cycling on the SG roads themselves, there is no way they can understand the issues cyclists face on the SG road. If no space is the issue, the more we need to start to change the infrastructure and use stuff that is more space efficient. Like a bicycle.  And perhaps we should ask why are all the developed countries embracing bicycles while the developing countries are choosing cars... and facing lots of issue.  Read this excellent article by Nick McHugh ... 

"Stiffer penalties for cyclists do not solve the problem

From Nick McHugh 04:45 AM Sep 14, 2012
The cycling community has called for more protection for cyclists who take to the road, and so the authorities are reviewing penalties for cycling offences ("Penalties to be reviewed", Sept 11).
Am I the only one who sees that this makes no sense?
I have seen some confusing riding styles here - I still cannot get used to people riding down the wrong side of the road - but punishing cyclists is not going to ease the situation.
Motorists calling for harsher penalties are simply trying to justify their lack of willingness to share what they see as their roads, by citing the behaviour of a few errant riders.
Consider this: Cyclists do not kill motorists. If a cyclist makes a mistake and is hit by a car, he ends up in hospital. But if a motorist makes a mistake, it is still the cyclist who suffers. Perhaps that is why the current fine is only S$20.
An arrogant, impatient motorist can kill and cause immeasurable suffering. It stands to reason that the penalties for dangerous driving should be much harsher.
Singapore already lags behind the rest of the world in encouraging alternative forms of transport, including cycling.
Many developed countries have recognised the destructive effects of fossil fuel-burning vehicles and massive motorway systems, and instead are encouraging closer communities and cleaner, healthier forms of transport.
Singapore's small land mass is an argument for cycling and against cars. Distances here are short and easily manageable by bicycle. If more people used bicycles, it would alleviate parking issues here.
A bicycle takes up less than 1/20th of the space taken up by a car. If more people were to cycle, we would not need so many roads, which cover an enormous land area, divide communities, cause noise and add to visual pollution.
Bicycles are also quicker, convenient and more efficient in a tightly-packed city.
Parliamentary Secretary (Transport) Faishal Ibrahim notes that not many people cycle as an alternative form of transport here, especially in the Central Business District.
As it stands, cycling in Singapore is tantamount to suicide. Culturally, there is an attitude that roads are only for motorists, and many of them make a point of not sharing. There is also a lack of facilities, such as bike stands, in the CBD.
Above all, there is a lack of respect for cyclists and the fact that they do not deserve to die. But rather than work out how we could all share and solve transport issues, we seem set on making it hard to cycle here.

All have part to play

Reposting letter by Steven Lim of SCTF published in Straits Times

I AM saddened by the death of a cyclist who was hit by a lorry along Changi Coast Road last Saturday ('Cyclist killed, driver arrested'; Sunday).Changi Coast Road is popular among cyclists, and there are many 'cyclists ahead' warning signs to warn motorists to look out for them.Drivers need to recognise that cyclists have an equal right to use the road, and to keep a safe distance when overtaking them.There have been suggestions online that cyclists should not be on the road because they do not pay road tax. But determining who gets to use public facilities does not hinge on how much tax one pays. After all, we also see road tax-paying motorcyclists being squeezed off the roads.More important is sharing whatever limited resources we have on this tiny island, and looking out for one another.

We advise cyclists to:

• Travel in a proper and safe manner;

• Wear light-coloured clothing;

• Have lights - white in front, and red at the back - on their bicycles;

• Use hand signals to communicate with other road users; and

• Be patient and courteous, as well as adopt safe practices.

It is time for the authorities to review some of the rules and penalties for law-breaking motorists. It is not just about catching errant drivers like speedsters, but also the penalties they face after being convicted.Some of the penalties are too light, especially for those who cause deaths through their recklessness.While no amount of fines and jail terms would bring back a life, the penalties must serve as a deterrent to other motorists.While rules and penalties may maintain order, it is also important for road users to have the right mindset and attitude. They have to keep themselves and others safe on the roads. It is about being forgiving, friendly and gracious.

We applaud Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean's call to get tough with errant motorists ('Get tough on speeding, reckless driving: DPM'; May 17).

Steven Lim

President

Safe Cycling Task Force