Making Singapore a pedestrian- and bike-friendly city

SINGAPORE — A greater emphasis on safety for more vulnerable road users — pedestrians and cyclists — achieved through redesigning road junctions, creating continuous sidewalks and at-grade crossings roads, can help turn Singapore into a pedestrian- and bike-friendly city.

These were some of the initial recommendations presented by the Urban Land Institute (ULI), the Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC), and architect and urban design consultant Jan Gehl today (Jun 2). The recommendations were from an earlier research project that aims to create a more vibrant culture of active mobility here.

Other recommendations from the earlier project also include integrating cycling and walking infrastructure with public transit to make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to use public transit for longer trips.

The research project also found that street tree planting and sheltered public walkways contribute to ensure pedestrian and cyclist comfort. Developers and building owners can also be encouraged, through building guidelines, to install amenities such as bathrooms with showers or even drop-and-go laundries in offices. The full report of this research project will be released later this year.

CLC director Limin Hee said the research on creating healthy places through active mobility will not only make people healthier, but make cities more livable too. She also noted Mr Gehl’s observations that cities like Singapore are quite into Sunday cycling on the park connectors.

“Now, the challenge is how to bring Sunday cycling onto Monday cycling, where it could be a viable alternative to taking motorised transport. Cities will be better for it, as walking and cycling takes up so much less precious space,” she added.