As a mountain biker, I have ridden trails in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Singapore’s trails are unique due to the flora and fauna here, and the efforts of various agencies and bike groups that constantly maintain the trails.

So, it is disappointing to see a nice trail, in Tampines, making way for public housing due to Singapore’s land scarcity.

The authorities should integrate the existing trail in Tampines Bike Park within the coming development, or perhaps retain the BMX track. The forested portion of the bike trail outside the park’s perimeter could also be converted into a proper biking trail beside the coming estates.

The authorities should think out of the box, make use of the existing ground and make it an attractive housing feature, like in Pasir Ris where Sungei Api Api is part of the estate.

A lot of money was invested to build the bike park for the Youth Olympic Games, and to remove it after three years is a waste.

Some people might find that a shopping centre there would make the coming estate more attractive. But a decade from now, I would like to see my family enjoying ourselves in woods nearby rather than to hang out at another mall. We have too many of them.

Another frustration is that riders were required to be certified before they could ride the BMX track, and it will now be gone. Can the riders get their money back or have another track to ride? Is a new, costly BMX track going to be built?