Serious Cycling Solution

[Darryn]

We all know that Singapore is NOT a friendly place for cycling.

 

The roads are neither forgiving nor condusive for the serious cyclist - between traffic, congestion and bullying drivers there's not many places for cycling of this nature.

 

The solution would be to have some form (or a couple of) dedicated cycling tracks for the serious cyclist - to keep them safe and to provide a way for them to pursue their passion without annoying others.

 

However, where and how should this happen?

 

What are the conditions? Any thoughts?

 

What I would imagine is needed -

 

A dedicated, smooth cycle track without junctions or lights, it should provide around 10 km uninterrupted run, with a "return loop" (*i.e 10 km each way) would think that one standard road lane width (2.3m) is wide enough.

 

Any other conditions?

 

Do you know of anywhere we could build such a facility?

 

The only other condition - it should have ample and accessible parking nearby.

 

[Vextan]

What is the justification ? Cycling as an exercise or as a way of commute ? If the former then the cost benefits is simply not justifiable as there are many sports and each has its place alloted. What about rollerblading ? If for the later then also not justifiable\practical because singapore weather is so hot and how many people will cycle to and from work\home ? Passion ?

Edited October 11, 2012 by Vextan

[Darryn]

What is the justification ? Cycling as an exercise or as a way of commute ? If the former then the cost benefits is simply not justifiable as there are many sports and each has its place alloted. What about rollerblading ? If for the later then also not justifiable\practical because singapore weather is so hot and how many people will cycle to and from work\home ?

 

Rollerblading - existing park connector network is pretty good.

 

As a leisure activity - why not?

 

What do you mean by "cost / benefit"? You wanna charge cyclists to use it?

 

 

[Vextan]

Rollerblading - existing park connector network is pretty good.

 

As a leisure activity - why not?

 

What do you mean by "cost / benefit"? You wanna charge cyclists to use it?

what i meant was building a 20km road (10km both ways) is a luxury for cyclist if the justification is as a sport. And if it is as a mode of commute, i am doubtful that enough people will use it to justify the cost and the road space incurred.

[Kelvingoh45]

No profit no talk.

[Darryn]

what i meant was building a 20km road (10km both ways) is a luxury for cyclist if the justification is as a sport. And if it is as a mode of commute, i am doubtful that enough people will use it to justify the cost and the road space incurred.

 

Why is "a sport" a luxury?

 

Isn't sport important? Why must everything be linked to economic advantage?

 

This is exactly why Singapore sucks at sport

 

[Myxilplix]

One lane width is not sufficient, all you need is a peloton of riders two abreast (esp the chit-chatting angmoh types, dunno why angmoh always like to ride abreast and chitchat machaim wanna action that they not tired) and you won't be able to overtake safely.

 

I propose a small open-air velodrome. Something basic with the standard 250m lap is good or if wanna make it bigger also ok. Will take up less space than the usual neigbourhood stadium, inclusive of parking. That gives you somewhere to train and can also hold races.

[Vextan]

Dude, seriously ? no offence, but, well, i admire your passion.

[Darryn]

Dude, seriously ? no offence, but, well, i admire your passion.

 

I'm not a serious cyclist...

 

But yeah.

2.3 m can fit at least three, if not four bikes side by side -

 

Maybe not ideal, but would be a whole lot better than anything we have now.

 

[Darryn]

One lane width is not sufficient, all you need is a peloton of riders two abreast (esp the chit-chatting angmoh types, dunno why angmoh always like to ride abreast and chitchat machaim wanna action that they not tired) and you won't be able to overtake safely.

 

I propose a small open-air velodrome. Something basic with the standard 250m lap is good or if wanna make it bigger also ok. Will take up less space than the usual neigbourhood stadium, inclusive of parking. That gives you somewhere to train and can also hold races.

 

Velodrom too specialised - and really, how many people could it hold at once?

[Vextan]

Velodrom too specialised - and really, how many people could it hold at once?

take it with a pinch of salt bro.

[Myxilplix]

With proper management maybe 30-40 riders at a time? Can draw extra "lane markings" and place clear signs for slower traffic to keep right on the higher sections/banking or just build it wider/longer.

 

Leave it open 24/7 or at least open from morning till night like our stadiums with lighting so that people have more choice on their usage times. Keep it a simple concrete and steel affair, maybe one section of the stands can be covered in case of rain. Built by sports council but can be subsidised by corporate sponsors for building and running costs, just give them naming rights (Nike Singapore Velodrome etc). No need for fancy facilities, simple toilet will do. Maybe one office/storeroom.

 

It's an alternative to the danger of the road and the unpredictability of the PCNs. Let's say i'm a semi-serious cyclist training 3 times a week (i'm not). Instead of doing 3 road rides (usually 1 weekday night ride and 2 weekend pre-dawn rides/round islands/hill training), with a velodrome i can do 2 road rides and my 3rd session can be at the 'drome (preferably the weekday session). This cuts down my danger-time by a third, and if it's the weekday night ride this is the most dangerous third in my experience. I might use the velodrome for sprint training or just stay high doing laps to get my distance in. It's an alternative.

[Galantspeedz]

 

East coast park

 

ECP - wiki

 

A cycling and inline skating track runs along the perimeter of the park, which measures over 15 km long.

 

[Darryn]

East coast park

 

ECP - wiki

 

A cycling and inline skating track runs along the perimeter of the park, which measures over 15 km long.

 

You been cycling there? It's a nightmare trying to negotiate the clueless walking to picnic, the wobbly 5 year old, the hired bikes, the wandering pets...

 

The PCN are nice for those leisure cyclist type with family, and do an excellent job -

 

For the serious cyclist though that are rather dangerous - for both parties.

 

[inlinesix]

Seriously, it will not work. Juz look at the cycling path in ECP.

[Myxilplix]

ECP=PCN=unpredictable and not suitable for training. It's like driving in a crowded carpark in serangoon road on a sunday. You have to go really slow and be prepared to stop at any time.

 

[Stratovarius]

You been cycling there? It's a nightmare trying to negotiate the clueless walking to picnic, the wobbly 5 year old, the hired bikes, the wandering pets...

 

The PCN are nice for those leisure cyclist type with family, and do an excellent job -

 

For the serious cyclist though that are rather dangerous - for both parties.

You can try the two ends of the park. Need to be careful if you are cycling pass the hawker and ex-Mac area. The other areas are okay for leisure. For serious cyclist, ECP might not be ideal as it is pretty crowded and hard to maintain speed. Stadium might solve the issue but the problem is who likes to cycle in circles?

[Darryn]

Seriously, it will not work. Juz look at the cycling path in ECP.

 

That's why - looking at the track along the side of Changi Coast road, seems like a prime place to "upgrade" to suit the need - guessing also that there would be something similar if go all the way to Tuas, or maybe round Senoko area something could be arranged.

Somewhere that is dedicated to cycling only, not a place that is designed jalan jalan, picnic, pick nose with kiddies.