LIVING WITH BICYCLES: FACILITATING THE CYCLING COMMUNITIES IN TAMPINES PUBLIC HOUSING

Abstract

As part of the 2010 National Cycling Plan, improvements to the cycling infrastructure in public housing estates around Singapore have been focused on extending the length of bicycle paths, and constructing park connectors to improve bicycle accessibility and safety on an urban level. However, little attention has been given to how residential design can affect the end-of-journey experience of a cyclist. In a cycling town such as Tampines, 86% of cyclists live in Housing Development board (HDB) flats. Given the provision of bicycle storage facilities in Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) stations and the support of pro-cycling policies, more commuters are attracted to switch to cycling. It is surveyed that 30% of train commuters who travel by buses to MRT stations are likely to switch to cycling as a feeder mode of transport. Base on this trend, bicycle population is expected to double. The increase in number of bicycles in a dense living environment will aggravate ongoing problems associated with bicycle storage, cyclist‟s movement and maintenance issues. To look into these areas, a study will begin with Tampines as a model cycling town. The level of bicycle friendliness in HDB blocks around Tampines will be based on the key issues which emphasizes the main concerns of residents. Thereafter, the problems will be tackled by making recommendations with reference to bicycle guidelines and systems which are currently employed in cities around Europe and the United States; and evaluated based on Singapore' context.