Is it feasible to make cycling a popular transportation option and lifestyle choice in Singapore?
Over the past eight years, Mr. Vareck Ng, a 23-year-old resident of Tampines, has been an avid cyclist, using his bicycle as his primary mode of transportation. His daily commute from Tampines to Paya Lebar, a distance of approximately 12km, takes around 45 minutes.
In the past decade, Singapore has seen a noticeable improvement in its cycling infrastructure. The expansion of cycling paths and park connectors has made it easier for people like Mr. Ng to navigate the city-state by bike. Today, the network spans over 730 km, with plans to extend this to about 1,300 km by 2030, aiming to enhance connectivity between residential towns, transport hubs, and amenities[1][2].
One of the significant additions to Singapore's cycling infrastructure was the opening of the only cycling-permitted pedestrian bridge over the Pan-Island Expressway in Jurong West in early 2025. This bridge, which cuts travel time to the Jurong Innovation District by up to 35 minutes, has been a major boon for local cyclists[1].
The government has also been upgrading paths with skid-resistant materials and visible markings, introducing cyclist safety features like speed-regulating strips, and segregating pedestrian-only paths from cycling paths to reduce conflicts[2][4].
Despite these strides, Mr. Ng and other cyclists report persistent issues such as safety risks, disjointed pathways, and gaps in the network that affect seamless commutes[1]. The proportion of commuters cycling to work remains under 2%, suggesting adoption is still limited[1]. Enforcement against improper use of pedestrian-only paths by cyclists has started since July 2025 to improve safety and order on shared spaces[5].
In summary, Mr. Ng recognizes the substantial infrastructural growth and the government’s active efforts to make cycling safer and more accessible in Singapore. However, he also highlights the need for continued upgrades and better integration of the cycling network to address user concerns and encourage more widespread adoption[1][2].
The emergence of cycling as a popular mode of transportation among teenagers is another positive sign. The shared bicycle usage among this demographic has seen a significant rise, and more children, elders, and teenagers are observed cycling. The Government's Active Commute Grant allows developers to provide end-of-trip facilities at a lower cost, which has led to an increase in the number of such facilities[3].
As Singapore continues to invest in its cycling infrastructure, it is clear that the city-state is committed to making cycling a viable and enjoyable option for its residents. Mr. Vareck Ng's personal journey as a cyclist reflects this progress and underscores the potential for a more bike-friendly Singapore in the future.
References:
[1] Channel NewsAsia. (2021, September 13). More cyclists taking to Singapore's roads, but safety concerns remain. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/more-cyclists-taking-to-singapores-roads-safety-concerns-remain-14582106
[2] The Straits Times. (2021, July 26). Singapore's cycling infrastructure: A look back and ahead. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/singapores-cycling-infrastructure-a-look-back-and-ahead
[3] The Business Times. (2021, September 14). Active Commute Grant to help developers provide end-of-trip facilities. Retrieved from https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/active-commute-grant-to-help-developers-provide-end-of-trip-facilities
[4] The Straits Times. (2021, July 22). Cycling in Singapore: Why it's becoming more popular and safer. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/cycling-in-singapore-why-its-becoming-more-popular-and-safer
[5] Channel NewsAsia. (2021, July 14). Cyclists caught using pedestrian-only paths face penalties from July. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/cyclists-caught-using-pedestrian-only-paths-face-penalties-from-14560376
- The expansion of cycling paths and park connectors in Singapore, along with the addition of features like skid-resistant materials, visible markings, and speed-regulating strips, demonstrate the finance and industry's commitment to improving lifestyle through home-and-garden initiatives like promoting bike-friendly infrastructure.
- The rise in shared bicycle usage among teenagers, coupled with the government's Active Commute Grant, suggests that the home-and-garden sector is not only addressing the needs of professional commuters like Mr. Vareck Ng but also encouraging a cycle-friendly lifestyle for future generations.
