Work begins on Punggol bicycle network

Construction works to give Punggol its own bicycle network have officially started, following a ground-breaking ceremony held at Punggol Central yesterday.

The estate will have an 8.8km network of intra-town dedicated cycling paths in 2017, the seventh town here to do so.

The off-road cycling paths will make travelling within the estate more convenient by giving residents a seamless cycling route from their homes to train stations, schools and other key amenities. The paths will feature dedicated spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, and dual bicycle racks will also be built.

Other estates that will get bicycle networks of their own in 2017 are Jurong Lake and East Coast. Cycling path networks will also be completed in Yishun, Changi-Simei and Taman Jurong this year.

Earlier in February, the Land Transport Authority completed a 13.3km network of paths in Pasir Ris - the third cycling town here after Tampines and Sembawang.

There are plans to build cycling paths in every housing estate by 2030 to encourage bicycle use for "first and last mile" journeys.

Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC MP Penny Low said: "Residents can use our Punggol Cycle Network as an alternative mode of transport, thereby reducing carbon emissions, improving personal health and enjoying a greener environment." About 300 residents joined her at the event yesterday.

Punggol resident Lynn Ng, 25, said she has noticed quite a number of residents there cycle and felt it was quite dangerous and inconvenient for pedestrians and cyclists to share a lane. "So I do welcome the upgrade," she said.

samboh@sph.com.sg

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