Channel NewsAsia - Sunday, June 29
SINGAPORE: Sembawang and Woodlands residents will have a new
cycling track that will make both cyclists and pedestrians happy,
as it has enhanced safety features.
At both these towns, there are many cyclists among the HDB
residents and foreign workers living in nearby dormitories.
They will be happy with the new 7.4—kilometre cycling track in
their area. The S$2.8—million project will be completed in the
middle of next year.
As far as possible, the cycling track will be built alongside
the existing roadside pavement. However, where there are
constraints, there will be clear demarcations like boundary lines
and icons to show which track is for cyclists and which one is for
pedestrians.
Speed—regulating signs with words like "slow" and "dismount and
push" will also be put up.
Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan, who is also the MP for Sembawang
GRC, officiated at the ground—breaking ceremony for the project on
Saturday.
He said the cycling track will also help residents save money on
transport and reduce congestion on the roads.
Some 400 residents joined in the day’s activities, which
included a brisk walk and other exercises. — CNA/ir
this is fantastic news, though i will not be around to enjoy it
(i think) altho' i live in the north right now.
in general, when on the pavement, cyclists should give way, just
as cars/vehicles should be more tolerant of cyclists who are on the
road. however, there are really annoying pedestrians on pavement. i
met the fair share of them on rare occasions i cycle on the
pavements. they are generally displeased of cyclists `invading'
into their walk path. some completely ignore the bells from
cyclists even from afar. if accident happens, they are equally at
blame. give and take needs to be exercised here.
cyclists should also take the general rule that if they are
confident on the road, they should avoid the pavements all
together. the road is where they should be. however, there are also
cyclists who are not confident on the road due to various reasons,
hence it is safer that they stay on the pavement.
ideally, there should be markings on the road to demarcate the
cycling path, so drivers can be conscious of the cyclists. as
petrol prices go outta whack and people generally are more aware of
cutting their own carbon footprints here, there will be more
cyclists on the road.
the government can certainly influenced this in a bigger way by
making singapore more bike friendly. it is really the way to
go.
