Singapore - Cycling

Although many people have bicycles in Singapore, they aren’t usually considered a viable transportation form. The heavy traffic congestion makes cycling difficult, even though there are bike lanes in some areas. It is not permitted to ride your bicycle on sidewalks, although sometimes it is necessary if the traffic is too heavy, making the situation dangerous.

Cyclists must use the proper hand signals to signify to motorists that they are stopping, slowing down, or turning. Bicycles must be driven on the left side of the road can’t be ridden on a vehicle’s right in the same direction, unless the cyclist is overtaking the vehicle. Red reflectors can only be used on the back of the bicycle. For more information on road traffic/bicycle rules, see the following PDF file: http://www.ntu.edu.sg/ohs/safetyforeveryone/Documents/Singapore%20Laws%20on%20Cycling.pdf

In 2012, Tampines announced that it was going to be the Republic's first cycling town. For safety reasons, footpaths are to be expanded so that bicycles would be able to ride safely and legally alongside pedestrians. So far, the Land Transport Authority has not built many cycling lanes and this can make cycling alongside motorists dangerous and confusing.

By 2014, it is anticipated that seven estates will have dedicated cycling lanes and transport nodes. An estimated S$43 million will be spent for these endeavors. Recently, the Land Transport Authority has worked with the Urban Redevelopment Authority and National Parks Board to create a network of cycling paths around Marina Bay. By 2014, cyclists can anticipate 16 kilometers of lanes in the Marina Bay area.

Although Singapore is not currently considered to have a strong cycling culture, due to the green nature of this form of transportation and its physical fitness level, it is slowly being more encouraged. Facilities are being created to help make cycling easier, too.

If you merely want to ride for the day and not purchase a bike then it’s possible to rent one. You can find tandems, mountain bikes, and city cruisers. Some even come with baby seats. Bikes can be rented by the hour, day, or even week, depending on what your needs are.

You can download and print a cycle map from the Singapore National Parks website if you’re using the Park Connector system. Alternatively, you can also pick up a map from the tourism office, too. The Park Connecter Network hopes to have around 125 miles of cycle paths by 2015. However, in the meantime, it is not allowed to cycle on any other part of the roadway other than bike lanes or trails, according to Singapore traffic laws. It is also forbidden to cycle on the expressway.

It is not obligatory to wear a bike helmet in Singapore but it is highly suggested. If you’re renting a bike, be aware that some stores do not rent out helmets so you might have to purchase your own.

If you’re a serious cyclist and would like to meet up with other likeminded individuals then the Singapore Cycling Federation http://cycling.org.sg offers information, as well as events, that are suited to those who love to cycle.

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