Report from Parliament (ST): "$43m off-road cycling paths to be built in 7 estates"

"$43m off-road cycling paths to be built in 7 estates," by Maria Almenoar, Transport Correspondent, The Straits Times, 11 Sep 2012.

The number of accidents involving cyclists injured or killed has gone down by 17 per cent between 2008 and last year.

Still, every fatality is one too many, Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim said as he outlined measures to keep cyclists safe in response to six MPs' questions.

These include a $43 million project to build dedicated off-road paths for cyclists in seven neighbourhoods. These paths are primarily for cycling within towns, to the nearest MRT station or market, for example.

Member of Parliament (Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC) Janil Puthucheary asked if the Government would consider putting in more resources and funds into the safety of those who cycle on the roads.

"No matter how many cycle paths we build, there will always be on-road cycling. There just isn't the possibility of building enough cycle paths," he said.

In response, Dr Faishal, who is is leading a public consultation on road safety and cycling, said cycling behaviour was affected by many things.

"One of the factors to provide safe cycling is to have separate off-road cycling. Beyond that, we will continue to educate the public, not only the cyclists, motorists and beyond, to see how they can care for one another," he said.

Among the educational initiatives the Government has undertaken are enlisting the help of volunteer cycling wardens, conducting road safety talks in schools and worker dormitories, and holding safe cycling exhibitions. The Land Transport Authority is also producing a new handbook on good cycling etiquette and safety tips for those cycling within their neighbourhood.

mariaa@sph.com.sg