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In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people have begun to exercise outdoors and have started to pick up cycling as a leisure hobby. As this cycling trend progresses, the cycling infrastructure has improved significantly to handle the higher traffic on park connectors and roads. Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister Mr Heng Swee Keat announced in September 2020 plans to create a new 15-kilometre central green corridor. This new central green corridor will connect the East Coast Park and Changi Beach Park through a series of new park connectors and routes to cycle.
Benefits of Cycling
Cycling is a good form of exercise as it offers various mental and physical health benefits. Many people in Singapore lead a sedentary lifestyle. Furthermore, they do not have the time to exercise due to the busy work schedule. This often leads to major health implications in the long run. By cycling in order to commute to work, they are able to get their daily fix of exercise, maintaining a healthy mind and body. At the same time, they can skip the congested roads and public transport when riding to work, allowing them to reach their destination faster. This will also reduce the carbon footprint per person, taking another step towards a car-lite society in Singapore!
Challenge of Cycling in Singapore
A challenge hampers the progress of Singapore in becoming a cycling paradise, specifically, our climate. It is warm, humid and everything you would expect from a tropical climate. Hence, a popular perception is that the weather is too unforgiving for someone to cycle to work on a daily basis. In other words, people do not want to turn up to work sweaty and uncomfortable.
However, according to some, this is purely “a matter of expectation and conditioning”. For instance, the general public has to get used to the minute changes to their lifestyles. To avoid the harsh heat and sun rays, one can choose to start their trips earlier. An increasing number of workplaces also offers showering facilities and bike parking now, encouraging their staff to cycle to work.
Cycling Now
There are certain areas of Singapore that are not as bike-friendly as cities like Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Nonetheless, the government has been increasing its efforts to build more cycling infrastructure in Singapore.
The plan for more cycling infrastructure in Singapore became more relevant in recent years, when cycling started gaining popularity. As a result, the Singapore government began building more park connectors and dedicated cycling pathways in various suburban towns across the country. These pathways are usually beside existing pedestrian walkways to accommodate the rising number of cyclists. When the COVID-19 pandemic exploded worldwide, there was a surge in bike sales for local bike shops. Therefore, more new cyclists use the park connectors network frequently now.
Developments of the Cycling Infrastructure in Singapore
The future of cycling in Singapore will include better urban planning and cycling infrastructure. A great example of this is the Round Island Route along the Tanah Merah Coast Road.
Tanah Merah Coast Road used to be just a straight road along the edge of Changi Airport. Many cyclists would cycle along the side of the road, braving the numerous dump trucks that were parked there. This was dangerous as cyclists would easily be in the blind spot of these enormous dump trucks.
The new Tanah Merah Coast Road has an additional 10 kilometres. In addition, this route now runs along the edge of the Tanah Merah coast, with a dedicated on-road cycling lane and a park connector. This is the only cycling route in Singapore with an on-road cycling lane! Consequently, without huge dump trucks parked along the roadside, it is much safer for cyclists.
Proper space was allocated for the new dedicated on-road cycling lane as it was planned alongside the construction of the new Tanah Merah Coast Road. Users can now enjoy a more seamless and enjoyable riding experience.
Not too far away from the Tanah Merah Coast Road, a new park connector called the Changi Jurassic Mile has officially opened on Sunday, 11 October 2020. It features 22 permanent outdoor dinosaur displays with information to educate visitors along the 3.5-kilometre park connector. This is the first of its kind in Singapore, attracting Singaporeans to cycle and walk the Changi Jurassic Mile.
The Housing Development Board (HDB) has plans to build over 50 kilometres of cycling network in Punggol within the next 10 years. By doing so, Punggol will have the world’s densest cycling network in the near future, with a 5.2 kilometres of cycling network per 1 kilometres2 of town area.
The cycling infrastructure in Singapore will improve significantly by 2030, with an estimated 1,320 kilometres of cycling paths. This brings us one step closer to becoming a bike-friendly city!
Mighty Velo – The Folding Bike Specialist
Mighty Velo, Singapore’s premier folding bike shop, is the official distributor for Pacific Cycles’ Bicycles in South-East Asia. We carry a wide range of 17 frame colours for Birdy Bikes. Customers will be spoilt for choice! Mighty Velo can also be easily found on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
The foldable bikes we sell are well-equipped to take advantage of Singapore’s cycling infrastructure. They can be folded in order to be brought aboard public transport. Our selection of foldable bikes run the gamut from gravel bikes to road bikes.
Every bike comes with a 2-year warranty on all our frames and a 1-year warranty on all components. Our team of bike technicians are experienced and well-versed in their crafts. You can be ensured that only the best quality of service is provided when building or servicing your bikes!
If you would like to visit the Mighty Velo Experience Store, you can find us at 30 Tai Seng Street, BreadTalk IHQ, #02-14, S534013. We are open from Mondays to Saturdays, 10am – 7pm. We are closed on Sunday and public holidays!
