Coach Caleb (in yellow) with SEA Games National Cyclist Luo YiWei (in white) who shared her journey with participants of a Singapore Cycle Safe programme held at the Singapore Sports Hub last month.
PHOTO: SINGAPORE CYCLING FEDERATION
Whether you cycle or not, get ready for the activity to become a bigger part of our lives. By 2026, most of us will live within walking distance of cycling tracks under plans to turn Singapore into a “car-lite” nation. But already, cycling is enjoying a surge in popularity.
During the two-month Covid-19 circuit breaker last year, many Singaporeans took up cycling for exercise — and a breath of much-needed fresh air — as many roads were largely emptied of vehicles.
Even after students and office workers resumed their daily commute, concerns about public transportation alongside rising health awareness are pushing more people to turn to two-wheelers.
In fact, demand is so high that some are having to wait months to buy certain popular models.
But a good bike is not enough if you wish to enjoy cycling while staying safe in crowded Singapore. Do you know how to stay safe on roads when cars and buses are everywhere around you, for instance? Do you know how to manoeuvre your two-wheeler through narrow walking paths while respecting the space of pedestrians?
Here are some basic safety tips from the Singapore Cycling Federation (SCF). Check that you are properly attired with a good fitting helmet. Check that your bike — brakes, chain, wheels, front and rear lights — is in good working order before riding off, says SCF general manager Mahipal Singh. Plan your route and avoid riding in the rain. Cycle within the speed limit of 25km/h on cycling paths and park connectors, and 10km/h on footpaths.
You should also remember that you share the space with other users, Singh adds. “Be polite, be civil, and respect others,” he says. “Keep to the left and anticipate that pedestrians may stop suddenly. How you ring the bell also matters. Say ‘thanks’ to pedestrians who give way to you.”
Whatever your age and skill level, SCF’s Singapore Cycle Safe Programme aims to impart the knowledge and skills cyclists need to negotiate the island’s roads and paths.
A version for beginners is currently running at the Singapore Sports Hub by registered coaches. Conducted over five sessions of between two and three hours each, the programme focuses on equipment and personal safety, the cycling environment, and knowledge and skills. All equipment is provided by SCF, which is a national sports association. Participants pay $220 each.
“Safe cycling is a life skill that we would like to teach as many people and as early as possible in life,” says Andy Gabriel Png, SCF’s Sports Development Manager.
The programme has attracted more than 5,000 participants since it was launched in 2016, according to Png.
“The programme is ideal for everyone — for those who want to learn how to cycle, and to cycle safely in a traffic-free environment, in Park Connector Networks, on roads, at cycling events and in commute,” says Png.
Antique bikes galore
A visitor to Shimano Cycling World viewing a bicycle on display.
PHOTO: SHIMANO CYCLING WORLD
It’s hard to imagine that the bicycle as we know it started life without pedals. Called draisine, the first-generation bicycle was invented by a German in 1817. Riders moved forward by pushing on the ground with their feet (no kidding) while steering the handle bars.
You can see it at the Shimano Cycling World experiential centre at the Singapore Sports Hub, together with other antique rides such as a penny-farthing.
A free bike maintenance workshop conducted by Shimano at the Shimano Cycling World at the Singapore Sports Hub (seen here in an archived photo).
PHOTO: SHIMANO CYCLING WORLD
The facility is the first experiential centre run by Shimano, the famed Japanese bike component-maker, in the world. It is also the first of its kind in Singapore.
“For new cyclists, Shimano Cycling World offers a wealth of information, be it through interacting with our exhibits, participating in our events or simply having a chat with our friendly staff,” says Eugene Koh, Director of Shimano Singapore.
The company plans to resume its popular free basic bike maintenance workshops at the experiential centre as well as Bike Cruise excursions once pandemic-related restrictions are relaxed. Check out Shimano’s website or its Facebook page for updates.
