It is being transformed into a model walking and cycling town; roads to cede more space to cyclists
By Adrian Lim, The Sunday Times, 10 Jul 2016
The ongoing transformation of Ang Mo Kio into a model walking and cycling town could pave the way for the rest of Singapore in the drive towards a car-lite society.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said this yesterday, after marking the completion of the project's first phase, which includes a new 4km biking route, cycle ramps with slow-down rumble strips, and road markings so motorists can better watch out for cyclists and pedestrians.
Cycling paths are also painted red to better set them apart from footpaths, and this is one of several unique features in Ang Mo Kio, with plans afoot for roads to cede more space to cyclists.
Said Mr Lee, who took a bike ride on the new 4km path which loops around Avenues 1, 3 and 8: "I think this is going to be a success and we will do this in other towns as well, so that we can encourage people to ride more on bicycles, need cars less and also save money, and become healthier."
While the full transformation of Ang Mo Kio will take another three years, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) told The Sunday Times that Tampines has been earmarked as the next walking and cycling town.
During the event at Teck Ghee Community Club, PM Lee, who is an MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, also announced the start of work on the first 60km of a 150km green corridor called the Round Island Route.
By Adrian Lim, The Sunday Times, 10 Jul 2016
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said this yesterday, after marking the completion of the project's first phase, which includes a new 4km biking route, cycle ramps with slow-down rumble strips, and road markings so motorists can better watch out for cyclists and pedestrians.
Cycling paths are also painted red to better set them apart from footpaths, and this is one of several unique features in Ang Mo Kio, with plans afoot for roads to cede more space to cyclists.
Said Mr Lee, who took a bike ride on the new 4km path which loops around Avenues 1, 3 and 8: "I think this is going to be a success and we will do this in other towns as well, so that we can encourage people to ride more on bicycles, need cars less and also save money, and become healthier."
While the full transformation of Ang Mo Kio will take another three years, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) told The Sunday Times that Tampines has been earmarked as the next walking and cycling town.
During the event at Teck Ghee Community Club, PM Lee, who is an MP for Ang Mo Kio GRC, also announced the start of work on the first 60km of a 150km green corridor called the Round Island Route.
This will add to the over 300km long Park Connector Network, enhancing connectivity and creating more recreational space. The first leg, the Coastal Adventure Corridor, will link Lower Seletar Reservoir Park with Gardens by the Bay, passing along the coasts of Punggol, Pasir Ris, Changi and East Coast Park.
In Singapore, cycling accounts for just 1.5 per cent of all commutes but the plan is to increase this to between 3 and 4.5 per cent in the next five to 10 years. A raft of measures to encourage people to cycle have been announced, including a proposed bike-sharing pilot, and more bike-parking at MRT stations. The North-South Corridor - a 21.5km expressway that will connect towns in the north to the city and to be completed around 2026 - will also have a cycling trunk route.
Two years ago, Ang Mo Kio was identified as a car-lite test-bed.
A key feature is a 2.6km walking and cycling corridor that will link Yio Chu Kang MRT station to the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, making use of space under the MRT viaduct. The first kilometre of this corridor - from the park to Ang Mo Kio MRT station - has been completed as part of the $7 million Phase 1, with the remaining 1.6km to be built in Phase 2. Construction is expected to start next year, during which another 16km of cycling paths will also be added, making Ang Mo Kio the town with the longest cycling network.
A key feature is a 2.6km walking and cycling corridor that will link Yio Chu Kang MRT station to the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, making use of space under the MRT viaduct. The first kilometre of this corridor - from the park to Ang Mo Kio MRT station - has been completed as part of the $7 million Phase 1, with the remaining 1.6km to be built in Phase 2. Construction is expected to start next year, during which another 16km of cycling paths will also be added, making Ang Mo Kio the town with the longest cycling network.
Mr Lee said: "Even in a busy neighbourhood, we can carve out a little bit of space; underneath the MRT viaduct, now we have a sheltered walking and cycling path."
Phase 1 has also seen the introduction of marked zones to better separate pedestrians and cyclists at areas such as bus stops. A slip road located at the junction of Ang Mo Kio Avenues 1 and 3 was removed to offer more space and increase safety for pedestrians and cyclists. There are plans in Phase 2 to also narrow the road along Street 44.
LTA's director for active mobility and policy Tan Shin Gee, said: "In Singapore, where it is so built-up, the reality is that if you want to give space to one group of users, there is a trade-off" on another segment.
Ms Amy Ong, a retiree in her 50s, appreciates the new cycling path under the viaduct. "Before, there were many potholes and at some stretches we had to carry our bikes and use stairs. These have been replaced with slopes with a gentle gradient."
Round Island Route: Phase 1 of 150km green trail will start at year end
NParks will be calling for tender to build the first 60km of the route
By Adrian Lim, The Sunday Times, 10 Jul 2016
Construction work on the first 60km of a continuous 150km green trail that will go around Singapore will start at the end of the year.
The project aims to enhance connectivity and create new recreational spaces for cyclists and park goers.
In a ceremony held yesterday morning, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong planted a tree at the Sengkang Riverside Park, marking the start of phase one of the Round Island Route, an idea first conceptualised in 2011.
The 150km corridor, which is more than three times the length of Singapore, will be built in three stages.
While a completion date has yet to be announced, the route will link existing natural, cultural, historical and recreational sites.
The development is part of the larger Park Connector Network (PCN), which is now over 300km in length, and the new corridor is expected to benefit about 3.5 million residents along the route.
NParks will be calling for tender to build the first 60km of the route
By Adrian Lim, The Sunday Times, 10 Jul 2016
The project aims to enhance connectivity and create new recreational spaces for cyclists and park goers.
In a ceremony held yesterday morning, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong planted a tree at the Sengkang Riverside Park, marking the start of phase one of the Round Island Route, an idea first conceptualised in 2011.
The 150km corridor, which is more than three times the length of Singapore, will be built in three stages.
While a completion date has yet to be announced, the route will link existing natural, cultural, historical and recreational sites.
The development is part of the larger Park Connector Network (PCN), which is now over 300km in length, and the new corridor is expected to benefit about 3.5 million residents along the route.
The National Parks Board (NParks) will be calling for a tender soon for the first phase of the route.
The 60km stretch, named the Coastal Adventure Corridor, will start at Rower's Bay at the Lower Seletar Reservoir Park and pass along the coasts of Punggol, Pasir Ris, Changi and East Coast Park, before reaching Gardens by the Bay East.
Ms Kartini Omar, group director of parks development at NParks, said efforts have been made so the Round Island Route has "seamless connectivity".
"For the Coastal Adventure Corridor... we will have a bridge across Sungei Punggol, which will link the two parcels of Sengkang Riverside Park, so park users (cyclists) don't actually have to dismount and (can) have a more seamless ride," she said, citing an example.
The Round Island Route's tracks will be mostly 6m wide - wider than the 4m paths of the park connectors.
It will also have shelters, toilets, lookout points, information kiosks, bicycle parking lots and self-help bike repair facilities.
Mr Han Jok Kwang, a cycling enthusiast and chairman of the Friends of PCN Community group, said the Round Island Route is about "connecting the dots forward", as it will link to other PCN loops at strategic locations, feeding its users into various residential towns.
"With the route, you can also go around the whole island safely, minimising interaction with vehicular traffic," he added.
As a 150km-long corridor, it also offers the potential for eco-tourism, giving visitors to Singapore a chance to explore the scenic coastline and other attractions along the way, he said.
Sengkang resident Eric Phua, 37, said the upcoming Coastal Adventure Corridor will give him an incentive to pick up cycling.
"I'll consider cycling to enjoy this new facility and it can also be another form of exercise for me," said the stock dealer.
The 150km corridor, which is more than three times the length of Singapore, will be built in three stages. While a completion date has yet to be announced, the route will link existing natural, cultural, historical and recreational sites.
The 150km corridor, which is more than three times the length of Singapore, will be built in three stages. While a completion date has yet to be announced, the route will link existing natural, cultural, historical and recreational sites.
More Walking and Cycling Connections for a Car-lite Singapore
Ang Mo Kio to be model walking, cycling town
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