Why I Cycle in Singapore

Bicycle has been around for a very long time. However, we don't associate it as a means of transportation in Singapore because we have a very well-connected public transport network and there is still that stigma that cycling is dangerous.

Affordable way to get around efficiently

Recently, I bought a $100 commuter bike from Carousell and have been using it to get food, meet friends and go to Church. I've spent some money to get new pucture-resistant tires, mud-guards and a pannier rack to haul things and it comes to about $180. The reason why I got it so cheap is because I buy many of the accessories from Taobao and ship it here via EzShip. Shipping cost is so cheap at $0.80/500g for sea shipment. However, you would need to maintain your bicycle either by sending it to a bicycle repair shop or doing it yourself which will greatly extend the life of your bicycle

It is a one-time investment and I have been using it regularly instead of taking the bus for short trips. I measured that for short trips, it is actually faster to cycle then wait for the bus to come. Some simple math..

One trip min: $0.92 (adult fare:( )

To and fro min: $1.84

No. of trips to break even: $180/$1.84 = 98 (rounded up)

If you cycle everyday, no. of months to breakeven = 3.5

Exercise

Cycling is a low-impact cardio (less strain for your joints) which means it is a good activity for recovery during rest days. If you're overweight, it is also less stressful for your tendons compared to running. It is more exercise than taking the bus or MRT. You can also take part in pan-island cycling trips with your friends or cycling kakis..

Win-win if you ask me

Happiness

Cycling gives you a sense of freedom and bonous points for style. A UNICEF study in 2020 shows that the Dutch children are the happiest in the world and cycling is one of the reasons. The dutch children are encouraged to cycle everywhere since young. It teaches them resilience because you have to face tough weather conditions and other obstacles. Life isn't a bed of roses and tough times build character. That is their secret to happiness! (https://www.cnbc.com/2019/06/06/dutch-parenting-secrets-to-raising-the-happiest-kids-in-the-world.html.html) Personally, I have experienced this freedom when I'm cycling around. Gone are the days where I have to take note of the last bus and train timing. With my bicycle, I can just cycle back home any time.

Downsides

As a regular cyclist, what stands out to me is the sparse network of bicycle paths. Admittedly, the government has been increasing the connectivity of the park connectors but at least in my estate (Ang Mo Kio), much is to be desired. We can however, take comfort in the fact that the government is expanding the cycling path according to this excerpt from the LTA website.

"At the national level, there are now 460km of cycling paths, and we will expand the cycling path network to 800km by 2023* and triple our cycling network to more than 1300km by 2030. These cycling paths will connect commuters from their homes to MRT stations, bus interchanges and nearby shopping malls and schools."

They are also building more bicycle parking slots in our void decks and MRT stations. We proably won't reach the level of the Dutch anytime soon but we are making progress. To me, any progress is better than none.

The government is also introducing this new concept called Car-Lite Towns such as Tengah New Town where bicycle paths are housed on ground level with roads underground. Such a town will promote cycling as a practial way to get around town. We can look forward to these new car-lite towns to be the norm in the future promoting healthier lifestyles and safer roads.

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