Is it feasible for cycling to become a popular mode of transport and lifestyle in Singapore?
In the heart of Singapore, 23-year-old Mr. Vareck Ng has been commuting by bicycle for about eight years. Over the past decade, he has witnessed a remarkable transformation in the city-state's cycling infrastructure, making his daily journey more convenient and safer.
Singapore's cycling revolution began with significant improvements in the coverage, quality, and facilities of cycling paths. The government's sustainability and urban mobility strategies have driven this change, with key developments such as the expansion of dedicated cycling networks linking residential estates, parks, and transport hubs. The aim is to create a comprehensive cycling-friendly urban environment, as part of the Green Plan 2030.
The infrastructure upgrade involves creating physically separated cycling lanes on major roads, reducing conflicts with motorized traffic, and enhancing park connectors and paths along reservoirs and green corridors. These paths provide smoother, more direct, and scenic routes, encouraging cycling as a mode of transport and recreation.
End-of-trip facilities, such as bicycle parking racks, secure bicycle lockers, and shower and locker facilities at workplaces and transport interchanges, have also seen substantial investment. This facilitates seamless multi-modal travel and supports cycling as a viable option for commuting. Mr. Vareck Ng attributes the emergence of these facilities to the Government's Active Commute Grant, which allows developers to provide end-of-trip facilities at a lower cost.
The Land Transport Authority (LTA) and other agencies have progressively implemented these plans, integrating cycling infrastructure with public transport by allowing bicycles on trains during off-peak hours and installing bike-sharing schemes.
This transformation has not gone unnoticed. Mr. Vareck Ng has observed an increase in the number of children and elders cycling, reflecting a broader expansion of the cycling culture in Singapore. Shared bicycles are being used more frequently by teenagers, particularly on bigger roads in neighborhoods.
For Mr. Vareck Ng, this transformation has made his daily commute from Tampines to Paya Lebar, a journey of about 12km that takes around 45 minutes, easier and more enjoyable. He cycled from one end of Singapore to the other during his undergraduate years, between Tampines and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) near Jurong West, and the improvements he has seen over the past eight years have made a noticeable difference.
In summary, Singapore’s cycling infrastructure has evolved from limited local paths to an extensive, integrated network with upgraded cycling lanes and comprehensive end-of-trip facilities. This transformation reflects the city-state’s commitment to sustainable mobility and urban greenery, making it easier for people of all ages to cycle and contributing to a healthier, more environmentally-friendly city.
Singapore's evolution in cycling infrastructure has not only made Mr. Vareck Ng's commute more convenient and safer, but it has also manifested in a broader cycling culture, extending to lifestyle choices and home-and-garden settings. The finance sector, recognizing the industry's advantages, has invested in end-of-trip facilities to support cycling as a viable mode of transportation and home commuting solution, contributing to the city-state's commitment to a sustainable finance and transportation landscape.
