Sunday Times 31 Jan 10;
I refer to the LifeStyle article, 'Cycle of strife' (Jan17), on clashes between motorists and cyclists on their right to use Singapore's roads.
My husband and I are avid hikers and cross-country runners who enjoy using the trails in public parks such as the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and out towards Chestnut Drive, where there are lots of trails shared by hikers, nature photographers, birdwatchers and cyclists - and where there is also a mountain biking course for people who want rough riding.
The Bukit Batok-Dairy Farm Road area also has an extensive network of bicycle trails.
In recent time, we have seen cyclists becoming increasingly disrespectful of pedestrians' rights on sidewalks and in nature parks.
We have had to jump out of the way for cyclists on paths in the nature reserve and Chestnut Drive area. Some cyclists could not be bothered to ring a bell or call out a warning, or even slow down, to allow for safe sharing of the paths.
The path from the nature reserve at Bukit Timah's Hindhede area - all the way around the park - has been prioritised for cyclists, so hikers and other pedestrians now face greater risk of getting injured by thoughtless cyclists.
However, over the last two years, I have seen more pedestrian than bicycle traffic on these trails.
So why are the parks being lost to bicycle traffic?
I think there must be a better solution. Pedestrians like me just like a safe and fair solution.
Rather than making cyclist-only paths - telling pedestrians to 'walk at your own risk' - couldn't we set aside perhaps four hours each Saturday and Sunday for the cyclists, keeping the pedestrians off the path during those hours, and at all other times, encourage safe and courteous sharing of the paths in our public parks?
Martha Stemberger (Ms)
Hikers, cyclists get their own space
Sunday Times 7 Feb 10;
We thank Ms Martha Stemberger for her feedback last Sunday, 'Cycling paths: Hikers need space too'.
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is a popular destination among nature lovers and outdoor enthu-siasts. While we try to meet the different needs of our visitors, we are also mindful not to disturb the natural environment.
The mountain biking trail was built at the fringe of the reserve so that cyclists can enjoy their activity without impacting the core
forests or getting in the way of hikers. For safety concerns, hikers are advised not to use the mountain biking trail.
There are four walking trails within the reserve, offering different experiences for hikers.
Over the years, we have also added more walking trails in the surrounding area, including a Kampong Trail, which connects Bukit Timah and MacRitchie Reservoir Park.
Last year, we launched Dairy Farm Nature Park, which offers three nature trails, and the Western Adventure Park Connector Network, which links several parks in the north-western region.
We thank Ms Stemberger for her suggestion and hope she will continue to enjoy exploring the walking trails in our parks.
We also encourage all visitors to keep to the designated trails for safety and to protect the flora and fauna.
Members of the public are welcome to contribute their feedback or queries to the National Parks Board's 24-hour Quality Service Manager (QSM) Helpline on 1800-471-7300, or e-mail us at nparks_public_affairs@nparks.gov.sg
Sharon Chan (Ms)
Assistant Director
Central Nature Reserve
National Parks Board
