Cycling wardens keep footpaths safe in Tampines

Shobana Kesava, Straits Times 17 Dec 07;
170 volunteers ensure that cyclists using footways do not pose danger to pedestrians

A YEAR-LONG experiment in Tampines that allows cyclists to ride on footways is now at its halfway point.

And volunteers have been coming forward to help forge co-existence between cyclists and pedestrians: there are 170 cycling wardens.

Since the trial's launch on May 27, these volunteers have been dishing out safety tips to riders, such as giving way to those on foot, and pushing their bikes across pedestrian crossings.

About 1,000 residents have given their feedback.

MP for Tampines GRC Irene Ng said a proper assessment can be made only when the trial ends on May 30.

Behaviour on the paths will be studied, she said, before any changes to the law are considered to allow cyclists to share pedestrians' footpaths.

'While it is safer for cyclists to ride on footways, it is important that they keep pedestrian safety uppermost in their minds,' she said.

Cycling wardens say rider behaviour has been mixed.

The most senior volunteer on the team, Mr Philip Chua, 73, said exuberant young riders can be a concern.

'While most are good, some teens can be reckless, riding in a zigzag manner.'

Widened footpaths have helped the situation, he said.

Tampines GRC MP and deputy chairman of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Transport Ong Kian Min said such widening work has gone on annually, as part of efforts to encourage barrier-free access for everyone. More are planned.

'The more heavily utilised sections, like markets and neighbourhood centres, will be widened first. That's where cyclists tend to ride to most, but this work has been done regardless of the cycling project,' Mr Ong said.

Tampines Town Council's general manager, Mr Leong Shee Wing, said that the council expects to spend about $700,000 to develop two stretches of dedicated bicycle lanes, altogether 2.3km long. If heavily utilised, the Town Council could invest about $2 million into 7km-long bicycle lanes on HDB land.

These tracks would complement the Eastern Coastal Park Connector, a new 8km stretch of bike paths and greenery developed by the National Parks Board. It is part of a 42km network linking six parks in the east.

Eventually, said Ms Ng, cycling tours around Tampines may be launched.

'Maybe after tourists are done with Orchard Road they can go on bike tours in Tampines to understand how Singaporeans live,' she mused.