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Researchers seek to improve S’pore for pedestrians, cyclists

In a workshop held last week, participants noted there was a conflict between cyclists and pedestrians on pathways. Today file photo

In a workshop held last week, participants noted there was a conflict between cyclists and pedestrians on pathways. Today file photo

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SINGAPORE — A research project is underway to look at where the Republic stands in being a pedestrian- and bike-friendly city. The project by the Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC) and Urban Land Institute (ULI), initiated in November last year, aims to propose recommendations to contribute to a more vibrant culture of active mobility in Singapore.

Architect and urban design consultant Jan Gehl, who has advised cities such as London and New York City on public spaces and transport, was engaged for the project.

The project is supported by various government agencies such as the Urban Redevelopment Authority, Land Transport Authority, National Parks Board and Housing and Development Board (HDB). It aims to formulate principles and recommendations based on overseas examples and inputs from international experts, as well as through workshops with stakeholders such as business sectors and building owners.

The project also seeks to complement the National Cycling Plan with a set of standards and recommendations for a model walking and cycling town.

Last year, the Government said it was expecting to complete cycling path networks in selected towns by next year. Other towns such as Ang Mo Kio, Choa Chu Kang and Toa Payoh were also identified as areas where such networks would be implemented.

As a start to the project, a research workshop was conducted on March 7. It was attended by 49 participants from various government agencies, private sector organisations, interest groups and academia. The workshop used the town of Ang Mo Kio as a hypothetical example for an academic discussion on intra-town cycling.

A report released last week by the CLC and the ULI on the discussion said the participants noted there was a conflict between cyclists and pedestrians on pathways. They also pointed out the presence of pavements that cut across linkways between bus stops and HDB estates, which could endanger pedestrians and inconvenience cyclists. A way to get around this, they said, would be to encourage shared paths or separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians.

Other ideas included a holding area at road junctions for vehicles that were turning, so motorists would be more alert to approaching cyclists and pedestrians.

Ang Mo Kio GRC Member of Parliament (MP) Seng Han Thong said the report noted the reality of Ang Mo Kio, which is a mature town with heavy traffic.

“It’s quite challenging to find or create space for cyclists, especially at competing points. Another concern is also the speed of the cyclists,” he said.

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