Novel bicycle-sharing facility to be launched at Sengkang condominium

SINGAPORE — A first-of-its-kind bicycle-sharing facility for a condominium will be launched in Sengkang, allowing residents to book bikes for free and use them to travel around the estate or even on short commutes to nearby train stations.

The scheme will benefit residents of Riverbank@Fernvale, a condominium scheduled to be completed by early 2017.

Its developer, UOL Group Limited, said yesterday that the company will supply a pool of 50 bicycles, which can be shared among the residents of the 555-unit condominium. There will also be bicycle racks for residents who have their own bicycles.

The initial cost of the facility is around S$80,000, and there will be a running cost as well. The facility will be administered by the estate’s managing agent.

Residents will be able to cycle along the North Eastern Riverine Loop park connector, which links four parks in the area and runs through the heartlands of Buangkok, Sengkang and Punggol.

They will also have access to Punggol Beach, Punggol Promenade and Lorong Halus Wetland.

Engineer Huang Yu, 25, who bought a three-bedroom, dual-key unit, said: “I think the additional bike facility by the developer is a great idea as the condominium is near a park connector. I enjoy outdoor activities. So now, I will be able to persuade my wife to cycle with me as it is so convenient.”

Mr Anthony Wong, UOL Group Limited’s general manager of marketing, said: “By incorporating a bicycle facility that links seamlessly to the future park connector, we can encourage more residents to cycle for a healthy lifestyle and enjoy family bonding at the same time.”

He added: “If response is good, we will add more bicycles for the residents. We are also considering extending the facility to other condominiums where conditions are as conducive, in the future.” Jordon Simpson