SINGAPORE: With an 8.8 kilometre-long network of cycling paths completed some months ahead of schedule, cycling enthusiasts in Punggol can now get around the neighbourhood more easily on their bikes.
Launched on Sunday (Oct 30) by MPs for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC Ng Chee Meng and Janil Puthucheary, the cycling network was originally slated for completion in the first quarter of next year.
Besides connecting residents to nearby amenities, like the new Waterway Point mall and SAFRA Punggol, the dedicated cycling paths also link to the Punggol Park Connector Network, allowing residents to cycle to Sengkang. And once the first phase of the Round Island Route is completed, cyclists can get to as far as Gardens by the Bay East on their bikes, via Pasir Ris, Changi, and East Coast Park.
Punggol is the seventh cycling town - after Sembawang, Tampines, Pasir Ris, Yishun, Changi and Taman Jurong - to be launched, as part of the Government’s plans to promote greener ways of travelling and a ‘car-lite’ Singapore.
But even as the Government provides and improves on the infrastructure for cycling, it is important for everyone to play their part to make cycling safe for all, said Mr Ng, who is also Senior Minister of State for Transport and Acting Minister for Education.
“Cyclists and users of personal mobility devices must be considerate of pedestrians at all times in order for us to share our limited space safely," he added.
The cycling network will make the commute to train stations a seamless one for residents. In addition, there will be provision for bicycle parking at Punggol MRT station. Since 2013, the Land Transport Authority has increased the number of lots around the station by 40 per cent, bringing the total to more than 300. This number will continue to grow to meet demands, said Mr Ng.
Parking facilities at LRT stations and residential blocks in Punggol will also be enhanced. For instance, the Housing Development Board (HDB) will be adding 2,400 dual bicycle racks at HDB blocks.
According to Mr Ng, the Active Mobility Patrol Scheme - where volunteers will conduct patrols and promote a sharing culture - will be introduced in the constituency. He also announced that a programme on safe cycling will be rolled out progressively at community centres, schools, and migrant worker dormitories by next year.
The programme teaches “safe cycling practices, the proper use of cycling infrastructure and the new rules and code of conduct for cycling”, he said.
- CNA/ll
- Posted 30 Oct 2016 16:04
- Updated 30 Oct 2016 23:54
Source: Channel NewsAsia