URA and NParks’ reply, 10 April 2021
We thank Ms Ng Suan Eng for her letter (Cyclists at Rail Corridor racing across bridges instead of dismounting, April 1).
The enhancements to the Rail Corridor, including the former railway bridges, aim to make the space more inclusive and accessible for all visitors.
Visitors can now use the trail for different recreational activities like jogging, cycling or to simply take a stroll to appreciate the greenery and heritage structures.
Everyone has a role to play in ensuring that the Rail Corridor remains inclusive and safe as a shared space for all.
We remind all visitors to adhere to safety guidelines and advisories when visiting the Rail Corridor, and to be gracious to fellow users.
Cyclists are reminded to ride safely and look out for other users along the trail.
They should slow down and give way to others, especially at crowded areas, and dismount and push their bikes when approaching narrow stretches, such as along the old railway bridges.
Other users can also play their part, such as being attentive to their surroundings and giving way to faster-moving users.
Sharon Chan Director, Central Nature Reserve National Parks Board
Teo Chong Yean Director (Projects) Urban Redevelopment Authority
Letter, 1 Apr 2021, Straits Times
Cyclists at Rail Corridor racing across bridges instead of dismounting
The recently revamped section of the Rail Corridor in Bukit Timah has attracted a lot of visitors, including cyclists (Section of Rail Corridor reopens with new features, access points, March 23).
On most days, traffic on the trail is heavy and on weekends, it can be jam-packed, especially at the Upper Bukit Timah Truss Bridge and Bukit Timah Truss Bridge.
As someone who regularly walks on this trail, I have noticed that many cyclists, especially those on racing bikes and mountain bikes, treat the trail like a race circuit or mountain bike trail.
Despite signs asking cyclists to dismount and walk across the narrow bridge, most do not observe this rule.
They race across the bridges, where large numbers of people congregate to take pictures, sometimes moving so silently from behind that someone could easily be caught unawares.
Many of these racing bikes do not have bells to warn people in front of them. The cyclists also ignore the speed limit.
I have written to the National Parks Board via the OneService app about this dangerous situation. So far, I have not seen any improvement in the behaviour of the cyclists. Some have challenged me regarding the rules when I tried to raise the issue with them.
With the Government encouraging more to take up cycling, there is a need for cyclists to know the rules.
I suggest that all bicycle shops highlight the speed limit on paths shared with pedestrians to customers purchasing bikes.
The authorities should enforce speed limits, perhaps by sending officers to the Rail Corridor at random timings to make sure cyclists heed the rules, and find a solution to this problem.
Ng Suan Eng