ST : It's official: Tampines now a cycling town

Mar 2, 2010

It's official: Tampines now a cycling town

By Jennani Durai



Widened footpaths in Tampines cater to both cyclists and pedestrians. Surveys by Tampines Town Council found support for the idea of shared footpaths rose from 53 per cent in 2007 to 65 per cent last November. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIM

PEDESTRIANS and cyclists in Tampines are learning to co-exist on footways, as it officially became Singapore's first cycling town yesterday.

The amended by-laws that allow Tampines Town Council to take enforcement action against reckless cyclists on footways are now in operation, ending the two-year journey to let cyclists share space with pedestrians.

About 30 cyclists were seen along Tampines Street 12 between 5.30pm and 6.30pm yesterday. Some told The Straits Times they cycled mostly to get to and from school or work, or for leisure trips to the nearby parks.

Tampines residents said they were largely satisfied with the infrastructure - which includes widened footways and clearly marked paths for cyclists and pedestrians - and welcomed the idea of a shared walkway.

'It is much safer than cycling on the roads. There is also enough space on the footways,' said Mr Mohammad Adib, 28, a teacher who cycles to work every day.

Agreeing, 19-year-old Woo Hong Hao said: 'I don't cycle but there is so much space on both the pedestrian and cyclist paths that I don't feel any difference even after we started sharing the footpaths.'

The town council also constructed two new bicycle paths where there is no pavement, and the Land Transport Authority will build another 6.9km in the first half of this year.

Tampines began its two-year trial after a 2005 parliamentary debate in which Tampines GRC MP Irene Ng called for cyclists to be allowed to ride on pedestrian footways instead of on busy roads.

Surveys by the town council found support for the idea rose from 53 per cent in 2007 to 65 per cent in November last year.

However, some residents with young children cautioned riders to be mindful of them.

'I have to be more careful when I am out with my granddaughter now because some of the cyclists come very fast from behind and we can't see them,' said Madam Anna Cheong, 49, a housewife.

Keeping a check on errant cyclists are auxiliary police officers from the Bicycle Patrol. Yesterday, they were only warning errant riders and noting their names. But if the same cyclists are later stopped for riding recklessly, they could be fined $50, or up to $1,000 for repeat offences.

Cycling clinics and talks have been held in community clubs and schools since December to teach safe cycling practices.

Mr Steven Lim from the Safe Cycling Task Force, which conducts clinics together with the Traffic Police, said the sessions will continue monthly, and may soon be offered to residents of Pasir Ris, as it looks to become a cycling town as well.