Channel NewsAsia 21 May 08;
SINGAPORE : Cyclists will be allowed to bring foldable bicycles on board all trains and public buses, in a six-month trial.
This is an initiative by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in a study to meet the transport needs of diverse groups of people.
The trial period is from May 24 to November 24 this year.
Foldable bicycles will be allowed on MRT trains every weekday during off-peak hours and on SBS and SMRT buses on weekends and public holidays.
The trial is one of several initiatives announced during the Land Transport Review. The Review recognises an increasing trend of people cycling for sports, recreation or as a means of transport.
Although the move gives cyclists more convenience, LTA spokesman Jeremy Yap said public safety must still come first.
He said, "Cyclists and other commuters are encouraged to be considerate and make way for one another, so that more people can use our public transport system to meet their needs."
During the trial, public transport staff can stop a cyclist from boarding a bus or train if the cyclist is unable to comply with given guidelines.
The LTA and operators will monitor and review the initiative after the trial period.
For more information on the guidelines, members of the public can go to http://www.lta.gov.sg, call LTA at 1800-225-5582, or email to feedback@lta.gov.sg - CNA/ms
Foldable bikes to be allowed on buses and trains
Trial starts tomorrow, but some rules apply
Maria Almenoar, Straits Times 23 May 08;
FROM tomorrow, the growing number of Singaporeans who own foldable bicycles will be allowed to take their two-wheelers into buses and trains.
The trial run comes after a major review of the public transport system, which aims to get people to give up their cars in favour of mass transit.
Originally slated to begin in March, the trial will last for three months on buses and six months on trains.
Currently, station masters and bus drivers decide on a case-by-case basis if these bikes can be allowed on board.
There are no Land Transport Authority (LTA) guidelines on the size of the two-wheelers, which are becoming increasingly popular.
They have caught on among adults who are looking to inject an exercise regimen into their daily lives.
In a statement earlier this week, the LTA outlined a laundry list of rules for the trial. It included limits on the size of foldable bicycles, the times they are allowed on board and where cyclists can place them.
LTA's group director for vehicle and transit licensing Jeremy Yap said the rules are necessary.
'While catering to the needs of cyclists, we also want to ensure the safety and comfort of other commuters.
'Social graciousness and mutual accommodation play an important part,'' said Mr Yap.
Cyclists like Alex Neo hope the decision to allow bikes on public transport will encourage more Singaporeans to take up cycling.
'It started as a hobby, but now it's a lifestyle choice and I hope more people will learn the joys of it,' said the 33-year-old IT consultant.
Every morning, Mr Neo cycles 10 minutes to Boon Lay MRT station, where he takes a six-stop train ride to his workplace in Buona Vista.
Ms Vivian Yuan, marketing manager of a foldable bike company, said she has seen very strong demand in the last year.
She estimates that there are up to 1,000 foldable bikes here, and about 200 active users.
These bikes, which can cost from $700 to more than $20,000, come in different shapes and sizes.
Some of them fold into a rectangular shape while others collapse into what looks like a golf trolley.
'The trial will encourage people on the sidelines who were unsure of regulations to try it out,'' said Ms Yuan.
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY CHRISTOPHER TAN
