Civic-mindedness key to ensuring success of bike sharing

The bike-sharing schemes set up in recent months aim to motivate more people to pick up the habit of cycling and also complement the public transport system (“MRT stations set to have 4,700 new bicycle parking lots by 2019”; July 13).

These good intentions, however, have met with a backlash following reports of irresponsible usage.

I believe that cycling as an alternative mode of transport can be a way to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, thereby enabling buses and taxis to reach their destinations more efficiently.

But as events have showed, even after penalties were implemented, there is room for improvement before these schemes can be carried out with minimal complaints.

Perhaps the bike-sharing companies could collaborate with the authorities and produce a detailed system so as to make this form of transport more attractive.

Pamphlets on the rules of cycling, such as the need to use lights at night and to keep left, could also be distributed so as to better inform riders and prevent unnecessary fines or accidents.

Most importantly, for bike sharing to succeed, users must be educated about civic mindedness through various platforms like the media.

Without them being ethical and considerate, phenomena such as abandoned bicycles or pavements clogged with bikes may continue to grow and cause disruption. This may even tarnish Singapore’s reputation as a green city and for upholding care for one another.

Bike sharing will benefit Singapore in the long run, but a more polished system and enlightened users are needed for the initiative to become integrated into our society.