PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN BICYCLE LANE PLANNING IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

The increasing cycling rate in Singapore coupled with several highly publicized deaths of cyclists in recent times have prompt the public to highlight the issue of building bicycle lanes in Singapore to the government. Responding to public demands, the government is currently looking into new policies and pilot projects to build bicycle lanes in Singapore.

There is currently minimal public participation in bicycle lane planning in Singapore even though such a policy will affect all members of the public in one way or another. Hence, it is essential to find out public perceptions on bicycle lanes and their assessment of current bicycle lanes in Tampines cycling town, the first New Town in Singapore to have intra-town bicycle lanes. This will ensure sensitive planning of bicycle lane policies in the future to be able to meet the public needs and generate minimal opposition.

Findings of a survey questionnaire distributed to 200 members of the public reveal that different people have different views regarding issues pertaining to bicycle lanes in general and the existing ones in Tampines cycling town which will require more studies by the government to effectively assess their needs and wants and plan bicycle lanes accordingly. Significant findings are that the public strongly oppose to narrowing of roads to make way for bicycle lanes which can result in slower vehicular traffic and that bicycle lanes are preferred on pathways over roads. Comparing the 2 different designs of bicycle lanes in Tampines cycling town, type 1 is relatively more preferred over type 2 and is found to be more user-friendly.

Other additional findings include improvements on road safety for cyclists at traffic intersections due to designated lanes and traffic lights in Tampines cycling town. Features that the public would strongly like to see in future bicycle lanes design on pavements include barriers separating cyclists and pedestrians and clearer signage.