Work starts on Punggol cycle paths

Construction works to give Punggol its own bicycle network have officially started, following a ground-breaking ceremony 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, such as the waterway and park connectors.

The paths will feature dedicated spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, and dual bicycle racks will be built around the estate to make it easier for residents to park their bicycles.

Other estates that will get bicycle networks 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.

The Government 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 (and) thereby reduce carbon emissions, improve personal health and enjoy a greener environment."

About 300 residents joined Ms Low at the ceremony yesterday.

Punggol resident Lynn Ng, 25, said she has noticed that quite a number of residents there cycle and it seems quite dangerous and inconvenient for pedestrians and cyclists to share a lane, especially when using narrow lanes.

"So I do welcome the upgrade," said the teacher.

samboh@sph.com.sg

Get MyPaper for more stories.