Punggol, Singapore’s first eco-town, joins the ranks of cycling towns with the completion of an 8.8km-long dedicated cycling path network. This is part of efforts by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to promote Walk Cycle Ride SG by making it safer and more seamless to walk and cycle to public transport nodes.
2. Guest-of-Honour, Mr Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister, Coordinating Minister for National Security, and Member of Parliament for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, launched the completed network this afternoon. He was accompanied by Mr Ng Chee Meng, Acting Minister for Education (Schools) and Senior Minister of State for Transport, and Member of Parliament for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, as well as Dr Janil Puthucheary and Ms Sun Xueling, Members of Parliament to Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC.
3. The Punggol Town cycling path network, which was planned in consultation with the Housing & Development Board, will allow residents to cycle safely from their homes to key public transport nodes such as the MRT and LRT stations, as well as nearby amenities such as Waterway Point, Punggol Safra and Punggol 21 CC. Cyclists can also use the cycling path network and the park connector to cycle seamlessly to Sengkang. When the first phase of the Round Island Route is completed, cyclists will also be able to cycle from Punggol to Pasir Ris, Changi, and East Coast Park, before reaching Gardens by the Bay East.
4. To complement the cycling path network, LTA has been ramping up bicycle parking infrastructure in Punggol. Since 2013, LTA has added 40% more bicycle parking spaces at Punggol MRT station, bringing the total to more than 300 around the station. The Government will continue to review the demand of bicycle parking lots at Punggol, and look at enhancing the provision of parking facilities at various locations such as at the LRT stations and residential blocks.
5. LTA has also worked with the recently opened Punggol Waterway Point and Punggol Safra to provide bicycle parking facilities at convenient spots for cyclists and ensure that the developments are cyclists and pedestrian friendly.
6. LTA is working with the local community to introduce the Active Mobility Patrol Scheme. Grassroots organisations from Pasir Ris-Punggol have come on board the scheme to form volunteer teams, conduct regular, self-organised patrols and engage cyclists and personal mobility device users. Through this initiative, LTA aims to educate all path users about the rules and code of conduct, to foster a harmonious sharing culture among the residents, and to create a safe commuting environment for all.
7. To complement the progressive implementation of upcoming cycling infrastructure, LTA is introducing a website to promote the joys of active mobility and safe and responsible behaviours. The online portal – Move Happy – shares interesting articles and videos such as features on people amongst us who adopt active modes of transport in their daily lives. For more information, please refer to movehappy.sg.
