ST : Northern connector links towns to nature

Nov 15, 2010

Northern connector links towns to nature

25km loop connects not only parks but also communities in HDB heartland

By Chong Zi Liang

CYCLING enthusiasts at park connectors usually make their way round winding trails through nature reserves and forested areas, but the Northern Explorer Park Connector Network (PCN) will have them pedalling through urban landscapes as well.

The 25km loop links not only 11 nature sites and parks such as Admiralty Park, Yishun Park and Lower Seletar Reservoir Park, but also heartland towns in the northern part of Singapore.

At the launch of the northern network yesterday, Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam noted that besides recreational uses, park connectors also helped facilitate inter-town commuting.

'Besides linking nature, the park connector network also links communities. By using the PCN, you can explore the residential heartland of Woodlands, Sembawang and Yishun towns,' he said.

The $19 million Northern Explorer PCN passes alongside six MRT stations and about half of the stretch runs along train viaducts.

But the connector also showcases Singapore's biodiversity. A wide variety of birds such as woodpeckers and kingfishers as well as different species of butterflies and dragonflies can be spotted along the way.

The Northern Explorer is the third loop of park connectors developed by the National Parks Board (NParks) - coming after the Eastern Coastal PCN, which opened in 2007, and the Western Adventure PCN, which opened last year.

Together, they make up 150km of cycling paths. NParks aims to complete 300km of an islandwide grid linking major parks, nature sites and housing estates by 2015.

A fourth loop in the north-eastern part of Singapore is expected to be unveiled next year.

The park connectors come at a time of growing interest in cycling - both for recreation and commuting - among Singaporeans.

There are currently seven designated cycling towns that will be outfitted with cycling paths, bicycle racks and parking spaces.

The park connectors are proving to be popular among cyclists, joggers and commuters alike. About 1,500 residents from Sembawang and Ang Mo Kio GRCs took part in a brisk walk to mark the Northern Explorer PCN's launch yesterday.

About 400 PCN users even formed a group called 'PC&Frens' to engage in outdoor activities and get the latest updates on park connectors.

One member is biking enthusiast Han Jok Kwang, 56, who cycles with a group of about five to 12 bikers every Sunday. He sends feedback to NParks based on what he sees on his trips.

He said the Northern Explorer has unique appeal because it forms a complete loop, unlike the eastern and western PCNs.

'There is more 'kick' in completing a circuit instead of having to turn around to get back to your starting point, which can be frustrating,' the information officer said.

ziliang@sph.com.sg


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Ride through town and country

ROOKIE cycling enthusiasts would do well to take note of the 5km stretch that runs along Mandai Road and Mandai Avenue.

The stretch, which is part of the new 25km-long Northern Explorer Park Connector, sits on several slopes.

If the cyclist approaches it from Woodlands, it will be a leisurely downhill ride towards Khatib.

Coming from the opposite direction means an arduous uphill climb.

I took the easy route last week on the advice of National Parks Board officials and completed the trail in four hours, with frequent stops for photographs and rest.

At the most rustic part of the trail, the Ulu Sembawang Park Connector, I spotted a few colourful birds while taking a five-minute break.

Those unaccustomed to the great outdoors should not be daunted as that stretch is easy for first-timers.

Indeed, the ride through heartland towns was trickier.

I stopped to push my bicycle many times to avoid riding through human traffic as a lack of space sometimes means the path is shared by cyclists and pedestrians alike.

Some also seem to have the habit of walking on cycling paths and cycling on footpaths.

But there are benefits to taking a cycling trip on a track that runs through housing estates, as I ran out of steam halfway and stopped for drinks and snacks, which were easily available.

Failing which, if one is using a foldable bicycle, one can always hop on the MRT and call it a day.

CHONG ZI LIANG