Straits Times 10 Jul 11;
I have been a frequent visitor to Pulau Ubin for over four years, and have enjoyed weekly mountain biking there. However, I am confounded by recent changes made to parts of the island by the National Parks Board (NParks).
The track for mountain bikers is on the far west of the island and is thankfully serviced with refreshments over the last three years by an 'auntie' in a truck serving drinks to tired cyclists.
The roadside where she parks her truck has an area sheltered by trees to allow the public to rest out of the sun.
Recently, I noticed two changes to the area which will drastically change the much-needed resting spot.
First, NParks has covered the sheltered area with dirt, covering the gravel that was previously there. This prevents visitors from using the area to escape from the sun, as it will become muddy after a downpour.
Does NParks expect cyclists to sit on the road?
Second, several trees in both the resting area and along the mountain biking track have been earmarked for removal, despite being healthy and without infestation.
As Pulau Ubin is a nature reserve, it seems illogical to remove trees there for no reason.
Several hundred mountain bikers and visitors use this remote 'watering hole' every weekend and the drinks auntie has provided a great service to cyclists where no permanent shelter exists nearby.
I hope NParks can respond to the following requests:
Remove the dirt and again place gravel in the area to allow visitors to rest away from the road and out of the sun.
Save the trees which are in no way detrimental to the area.
Place a permanent shelter there, as the area is frequented by hundreds of visitors every weekend. A shelter from the rain and sun would be a welcome relief.
Don't evict the drinks auntie from this site, as she provides a service to all the cyclists.
Tim Birch
(This letter carries 67 other names)
More trees to be planted at Ubin resting spot
Sunday Times 17 Jul 11;
We thank Mr Tim Birch for his letter ('Rethink changes made to cyclists' resting spot in Ubin'; last Sunday) and are glad that he and his friends enjoy mountain biking at Pulau Ubin.
There are five existing shelters in Ketam Mountain Bike Park in Pulau Ubin. We will explore the feasibility of adding one more near the site mentioned by Mr Birch, which is at the periphery of the Bike Park.
This area is also within a re-forestation site. The trees removed belong to a highly invasive exotic species that is spreading throughout the reforestation site at the expense of native species.
We are replacing them with native tree species that will also provide shade.
We intend to plant more trees in the area and have removed the granite chips and dust in preparation for planting.
The woman who has been selling drinks in the area has been advised on the locations in the vicinity that she can continue selling her drinks at.
Meanwhile, we welcome visitors to our visitor centre for information on suitable resting spots and places where light refreshments are available.
Wong Tuan Wah
Director, Conservation
National Parks Board
