"Cycling Injuries Revealed", an US infographic by Christensen Law Firm

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"Pasir Ris cyclists get dedicated path" - rollout of latest path in LTA's National Cycling Plan

There are two cycling networks in Singapore:

1. NParks' Park Connector Network (PCN) (recreational cycling amidst greenery and to connect parks) [link]
2. LTA's National Cycling Plan (cycling paths in seven HDB towns) [link]

The article below refers to the latter.

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"Pasir Ris cyclists get dedicated path," by Jermyn Chow. The Straits Times, 19 Sep 2011. New 1.1km path has separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians

Cyclists trying out the new dedicated cycling path along Pasir Ris Drive 3. The 1.1km stretch that opened yesterday is part of a 13.3km cycling path network that will link different parts of Pasir Ris town and be completed by next year. -- ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

"A 1.1KM path - with separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians - was rolled out in Pasir Ris yesterday.

Instead of sharing with pedestrians an old 1m-wide footpath, cyclists now have their own lane on a path that has doubled in width.

Painted markings identify the cyclists' lane.

Yesterday, 100 residents were among the first to zip down the bike path in Pasir Ris Drive 3. Alongside the cyclists were brisk-walkers.

The stretch is part of a 13.3km cycling path network that will link different parts of Pasir Ris town. It will be completed by next year, and where space permits, there will even be dedicated cycling tracks.

Launching the new cycling path and flagging off a bike trail yesterday was Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.

Mr Teo, who is also an MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, said the new path is a 'good step forward' in promoting a safe cycling culture in Pasir Ris where 'cyclists and pedestrians can co-exist'.

He noted that grassroots leaders in Pasir Ris have come up with ideas to stop cyclists from chaining their bicycles to pillars and blocking footpaths.

Mr Alvin Yeo, chairman of the Pasir Ris West Citizens' Consultative Committee, said one preventive measure was constructing railings along the footpaths.

This move was on top of the signs to remind cyclists to park in designated spaces which have bicycle racks.

Mr Yeo said more safe cycling clinics will be conducted, given that seven in 10 residents in Pasir Ris are cyclists. This number is likely to grow as more people move to the area in the next five years.

Safety has been in the spotlight following a spate of deaths involving cyclists. Last year, there were 16 deaths, down from the year before, when there were 17.

In 2007, there were 551 accidents and 22 deaths. Those caught riding in a way that can maim or kill someone could be looking at up to a year in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

Pasir Ris is one of seven cycling towns where the Land Transport Authority is developing more than 50km of cycling paths. The others are Tampines, Yishun, Taman Jurong, Sembawang, Changi-Simei and Bedok. A cycling network is also being planned for the Marina Bay area and will be ready by 2014. Some $43 million has been set aside to build infrastructure in designated cycling towns.

Cheering the new bike paths is Pasir Ris resident Ong Pang Gee who cycles to Pasir Ris Park and White Sands shopping mall every other day.

The 58-year-old father of three, who is self-employed, said: 'With my own lane, I have peace of mind when I'm on my bike and do not have to worry about knocking into pedestrians.'

jermync@sph.com.sg
"

Moving Planet Singapore features "National Mobilisation" - cycle down to town, Sat 24 Sep 2011

NATIONAL MOBILISATION
In order to promote cycling in town, we will be working with the various partners and community leaders to mobilise people in Singapore to cycle to town on the day itself to orchard road for a concert performed by young aspiring artistes.

The expected turn out of cyclists to the event would be 300 cyclists ranging from teens to mature cyclists.

In order to entice and encourage cycling, we would be providing free basic bicycle maintenance services and a clinic among other family outreach programmes. We will also allocate bicycle parking spots with security measures to ensure cyclists can have fun while being in town for the event.

Free Bicycle Parking space available from 10am – 10pm

See Moving Planet Singapore.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Bicycle Clinic Workshops by Safe Cycling Singapore
• Bicycle Engraving Services
• Mountain Bike Obstacles Performances (You can join too!)
• Learn about good cycling habits
• Free Bicycle Parking all day
• Environmental Exhibitions
• Take picture and contribute to Singapore Millions Acts of Green

"World Hospice Day Ride 2011" - cyclists wanted for charity ride

"The Singapore Hospice Council invites the Singapore cycling community to join our "World Hospice Day Ride 2011" in observing the World Hospice & Palliative Care Day on Sunday 16th October 2011."

For details of the third year of this event, see this page. The ride which begins at the premises of the SHC/Dover Park Hospice at Jalan Tan Tock Seng Rd will end at East Coast Parkway and end with a carnival.

You can pre-register here, donate to the Singapore Hospice Council if you are interested in volunteering, email them at info@pedal.sg.

"Cycling must be a key part of Singapore’s future"

tk has penned a guest essay about bicycle policy in Singapore over at Yawning Bread which has succinctly expressed many opinions shared by readers here.

tk discusses the diversity of cyclists, identifies the maor problems on the road, puts forward coherent arguments for cycling and discusses cycling infrastructure and how to cheaply improve it. With Yawning Bread's high readership, this will raise an understanding of the issues.

"...the same anger toward cyclists is not evidently being directed toward the large numbers of motorists colliding with each other or with more vulnerable road users, causing far greater damage..."

"...complaints about cyclists all stem from the same cause – no unique space has been set aside for them, so they’ve carved out their own. This fight for space is going on in every major city around the world..."

"In the global competition to attract talented professionals (and and retain young Singaporeans), more and bigger hotels, shopping malls and casinos are not going to cut it. Singapore needs to start offering more “quality of life” assets, including cycling infrastructure."

Go ahead, read the article, and when you are done, do your bit to circulate it to friends via facebook or email. "Cycling must be a key part of Singapore’s future," by tk. Guest essay at Yawning Bread, 14 Sep 2011.