Letter from Wong Tuan Wah Director, Conservation, National Parks Board
Today Online 24 May 12;
WE refer to the letter "Make it green for mountain bikers" (May 21) and thank Mr Lim for his feedback.
The nature reserves are gazetted for the protection of Singapore's remaining native flora and fauna.
We encourage the public to visit the nature reserves to enjoy its rich biodiversity.
Walking trails are designated to guide our visitors so that they do not inadvertently destroy rare plants or disturb the fragile habitats of wildlife.
In order to meet the needs of cyclists, we have specially created mountain biking trails around the perimeter of the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and in Kent Ridge, Tampines and Pulau Ubin.
The mountain biking trails at Bukit Timah and Pulau Ubin were designed to meet competition standards and races have been held at these trails.
We urge cyclists to use these designated mountain biking trails. Cycling in areas of the nature reserves which are not designated for this activity destroys the flora and fauna.
Some cyclists continue to do so, even in places where we have erected signs to prohibit cycling. We were, therefore, left with little choice but to take enforcement action against such cyclists.
We will continue to work with the nature groups to raise awareness for appropriate behaviour in the nature reserves.
This is necessary because we do want to create more opportunities for Singaporeans to enjoy nature.
Mr Lim will be happy to hear that we are planning to develop more amenities for walking and cycling around the nature reserves.
We are finalising the details and will announce these plans when ready.
Again, we urge the public to keep to designated trails so that we can allow more people to enjoy the nature reserves without damaging the assets that make the nature reserves unique.
For further feedback, we welcome Mr Lim and members of the public to contact us at NParks_Public_Affairs@NParks.gov.sg or at 1800-4717300.
