SECTION_NAME:WRITTEN ANSWER TO QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER NOT <BR>ANSWERED BY 3.00 PM

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WRITTEN ANSWER TO QUESTION FOR ORAL ANSWER NOT
ANSWERED BY 3.00 PM

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Column No : 1030

CYCLING

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(Plans to encourage): **

16.

Miss Penny Low asked the Minister for Transport if there is any plan to encourage cycling as a form of cheap short distance transport and healthy living among Singaporeans and, if so, (i) what are its plans and, if not, (ii) why not.

Mr Yeo Cheow Tong: In land scarce Singapore, road space is limited and should be used for the efficient movement of people and goods. Hence, my Ministry's focus is to promote and give priority to mass transport, such as the MRT and buses, as they are efficient in moving large numbers of commuters. Nonetheless, cyclists are not precluded from our roads, and it is not uncommon to see some cyclists at most times of the day.

But we have to be realistic. Our hot weather, coupled with frequent rain showers, does not encourage many to cycle as part of their regular commute to work. Another reason is that there are bus stops or MRT stations within walking distance of the homes and workplaces of most people. Bus stops are generally located within 400 metres of a development, while MRT stations are usually located within the heart of housing estates or close to commercial centres.

Having said that, we do make provision for those who use bicycles for short journeys, for example, to nearby MRT stations. Many MRT stations and some bus interchanges do provide bicycle stands for people who cycle there

In addition, NParks is currently developing an island-wide network of park connectors which cyclists can use for both recreational and commuting purposes. I understand that various Town Councils are also working with URA to provide bicycle lanes in their estates.

My Ministry supports these efforts, and the Land Transport Authority works with the NParks, Town Councils, and the Traffic Police to provide technical and traffic-related assistance to ensure that the bicycle lanes are safe for cyclists and pedestrians.

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