Cycling on footpaths will be allowed in Tampines next year
By Maggie Chong, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 13 December 2009 1905 hrs
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SINGAPORE: Folks in Tampines have reason to put more pedal to the mettle. From end of February next year, residents there can cycle legally on footways. This comes after a 20-month trial conducted by the Tampines grassroots organisations, transport authorities and the Traffic Police. While they say there has been general acceptance of having cyclists share footpaths with pedestrians, they are also stressing the importance of three key features - infrastructure, education and enforcement. To ensure pedestrians and cyclists can share footpaths safely, safe cycling clinics will soon feature at block parties throughout Tampines. In addition, footpaths are being widened to ensure adequate space. And a new regulatory framework will be ready next March to ensure cyclists ride responsibly. Under the new by-laws, Tampines Town Council will be able to take action against cyclists for reckless behaviour such as speeding on footpaths and endangering the lives of pedestrians, not dismounting from their bicycles in crowded areas and not stopping at the traffic lights. The Town Council will carry out blitzes and hand out fines of between S$50 and S$1,000 to cyclists who do not obey the rules. The legalisation of cycling on footpaths will only apply to Tampines. National Development Minister and MP for Tampines GRC, Mah Bow Tan, said the town is unique in that every block is within 2km of the MRT station, shops and schools. "We feel that cycling is a very healthy, environmentally friendly and money-saving way of travelling around in a compact town like Tampines," he said. There are currently no plans to expand the legalisation of cycling to the rest of the island. - CNA/ir