More bicycle lots, Less carparks

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) reviews its concept plans every 10 years and the next review is coming next year. Groups are formed together to discuss new strategies and plans to improve the lifestyle of Singaporeans. This year, The 20 member group will be focussing on 'green transport'.

'Green transport will have a key role in building a sustainable city' said 1 group. Some of the suggested ideas are;

1) Firstly, a dedicated bicycle lane network will be necessary, hence, more and better secured parking facilities as well as changing facilities for bicycle users. On the other hand, private transport should be discouraged by reducing the number of parking lots o charging higher prices. This is one of the targeted ways to reduce traffic flow into certain areas.

2) Another way is to lower public transport fares as well as more convenient, comfortable and frequent busses and trains will make a difference. Examples are season passes for unlimited travel across all transport modes or an economic shuttle service.

In my opinion, what Mr Lee Tzu Yang said was very true. “Everybody supports the use of public transport; they just want somebody to do it.” As for me, I would really want to drive when I grow up. I think it is a good skill to learn and I find it more convenient as I can get to my destination quickly.

Still public transports are useful if you are in no rush and want to get to your destination. Bus fares are much cheaper than fuel price. Hence I would rather take the public transport and save the world.

As a cyclist myself, I do occasionally cycle on the roads and I find that there are too many cars and it gets dangerous especially at the busy junctions. Since there are no cycling paths on the road, cyclists have to cycle at the side of the road on the yellow lines. This gives pressure to the divers near him as well as the cyclist and accidents may occur.

I have once witnessed a cyclist got banged by a small lorry. Just because the cyclist thought that the lorry would be stopping at the light and he could cross the road. The lorry did not stop and the poor cyclist flew 2 metres away from his bicycle. In the end, the cyclist had a serious head injury and was still unconscious as he was being carried away to the hospital.

Hence I think it is a very good idea to build a bicycle lane network so cyclists can get around the roads easily. This will also reduce the amount of cars on the road and will make Singapore a more 'green' city.

~^.^~ Fiona Pang (100330T)