THREE months ago, cycling enthusiast Benoit Valin, 31, spent S$800 to set up a website to publicise the activities of a cyclists' group, and to encourage people to walk and cycle more, and drive less.

Today, on World Car Free Day, he and around 30 other members of Critical Mass, the Singapore arm of an international recreational cyclists' group, will distribute flyers along Orchard Road to spread the antimotoring message.

World Car Free Day is part of a global initiative to remind people that they don't have to accept a car-dominated society.

People are encouraged to give up driving for a day and to take public transport or walk instead.

Here in Singapore, Critical Mass has been planning for this event for a month. It sent e-mail messages about the campaign to around 5,000 people, and distributed 1,200 flyers yesterday.

Mr Valin, who cycles every day to the pharmaceutical company where he works as a scientist, said: "The roads here are dominated by cars, and cyclists and pedestrians are often neglected, but that shouldn't be the case."

Another Critical Mass member, Mr Loh Yew Kwong, 54, an administrative manager who takes public transport to work every day, said: "It's not a hassle like many think it is. Through our actions, we would like people to know that we can lessen the stress and pollution caused by cars."

Banking executive Bobby Tan, 26, is one person who decided to mark the day by taking the public transport to work instead of driving.

He felt that it would be a novel experience, "like switching off lights on Earth Day".

Student Arthur Kong, 20, who travels around on his bicycle, welcomed the initiative. "It's a great idea," he said. "I'd like to see friendlier road conditions for cyclists."

If you want to help give out flyers, meet outside Forum The Shopping Mall in Orchard Road at 7pm today.

Visit www.criticalmass.sg for more details.

lingxin@sph.com.sg

For more my paper stories click here.