Personal mobility for all

Sharing a few photos I took a few years ago while I was in Taiwan, riding my bicycle. This is an image of my friend Nick "racing" with an ah Ma. At that moment, I simply thought it was just an cool and hilarious moment. 


Recently, in Singapore we are seeing some encouraging progress on active mobility. This was in the news yesterday.  Once again another survey. This was a Singapore National strategy being discussed for cycling way back in 2012. 

in the news

It feels it's taking forever.. however I do understand its a rather complex issue as it involves many parties. I really wish the rules or rather the forming on code of conduct can be accelerated. My biggest fear is given the popularity of cycling currently, the odds on a cycling related accidents would likely to increase if its a "status quo". 

Personal mobility devices mentioned in the news.   Screen grab from Chanelnewasia

But taking a step back and looking at the progress, I do agree that it is going in the right direction for a more livable city.
As I reflect on the news article, my thoughts drifted to the above images. I thought of the elderly and the use personal mobility devices. They also serve to give mobility back to those who might not be able to do so. The ah Mas and ah Gongs, who we see at times just sitting at the void decks looking emptily into space. Imagine if they have the personal capacity to move around. Even if its just around the neighborhood. How much difference in their life it would make. 

Yes, I also know that there are many of  E-bike, E-scooters who are creating a nuisance on our pavements, zooming too fast in high human traffic areas. That aside, they are really nifty and useful. Esp to closing the last mile issue. I wrote my thoughts here some time back too. 
While the latest news talk about rule and code of conduct. I also hope that the infrastructure can be made more friendly and considered for the elderly and handicapped. For once, I hope our LTA mobility team perhaps try a wheel chair for a day. Or a bicycle user for a day. Try cycling to work. Not just plan/ design in office environment.  I feel that this would really help them to understand the issues the users face.  
These are not glamorous topic and the journey for improvement would be a long and ongoing one. In the meantime, let's also do our part to feedback if we see obstacles and if we have ideas to make our environment more connected and seamlessly.  Pls don't just complain or bitch. Take a photo and send it in to MSO if you don't know who to send it to. 
After all, we all will grow old too. Someday. 

Meeting with Cycling without age in Singapore - 5th July 2015

LCSG with Cycling without Age @ Punggol water way

There will come a time when we all reflect abit on our lives and ask if there were anything we could do for others. 
They can be about the lesser privileged, or just sharing more about your home(like what lovecyclingsg does) or perhaps giving the elderly a ride (cycling without age) for that matter. Just giving....
I first knew about Ole Kassow's effort on Cycling without age from my buddy Francis. 
He shared with me this heart warming effort on Ted talks.  It was amazing! Ole related about his experience with a stranger and changed his life.

Screen grab from Cycingwithout age website 

Then I got a even exciting news from Pernille, a Singapore based rider that she wanted to bring this to Singapore. I was blown away. Could this actually be happening? It did and last week we met up with Ole and Pernille with the Lovecyclingsg folks. 

Ole and Pernille sharing what it Cycling without age

Unfortunately the elderly couple couldn't make it but it was good for them to share their initiative.
The route was simple and short as we wanted it to be a pleasant ride for the elders. It was all park connector paths and it meant many kids also came to ride with us. 
The event had a nice carnival feeling and lots of chatter along the way.  I had a good chat while riding with Jacob and it was good to know a friend during sunday rides. 
Photos tell a thousand words and here's some of the action. 
If you like what Pernille and Ole are doing, you can help out by volunteering your time for Cycling without age Singapore chapter. It's a good initiative! It really is. 
Photos of the event here.

Marcus came with his family

Many kids turned up

Kimi leading the way!

Wendy sharing a moment with Pernille 

Ole demonstrating the features of the Trishaw

Nice to be sitting for a change! :) 

Peggy trying out with some small VIPs

Nice and quiet in the early morning

Personal Reflection

An old uncle... Maybe he is riding to work or to his regular kopi place. You will see them everywhere. They are not on facebook nor will they write in to authorities to reflect the traffic issue. 
Pls watch over them , give them just a little bit more time and consideration. 
Remember, we all grow old too.