Singapore OK... or Not? Episode 1

The post before is my Commonwealth essay.

Hi! I'm Angus from Singapore and I don't like to tell people about my personal things so i didn't create a blog until now. However, you will know my personal attributes through my posts. Have fun!

Welcome to the first episode of Singapore OK... or Not? This series explores some of the not-so-nice attitudes that Singaporeans have that make Singapore an unpleasant place to live in from time to time. Today, we are on the subject of cycling pavements in Singapore. A lot has been said about whether cycling paths should be built in light of the safety of cyclists. In fact, there is some trial going on at the East (not sure if it's Tampines or Simei) to see if such pavements can be allowed in Singapore. But why has no one did anything against the attitude of bad cyclists?

Today, I was cycling on the new pedestrian walkway, since there was a road expansion going on near my house and the pathway had to be shifted. Originally, the wide pathway can accommodate 2 cyclists at any one time and maybe even a pedestrian in between them. Now, it is so that one cyclist and a pedestrian is enough to "chop" the whole width. While I was cycling, another Cyclist A came from the opposite direction. I could see another Cyclist B behind Cyclist A. He was a forty plus man, big-sized, wearing a black T-shirt and just when me and Cyclist A were about to cross paths, that Cyclist B chose this moment to overtake Cyclist A! I had to brake to avoid a collision and tangled bodies in bicycles, and other damages.

My unhappiness though is caused by Cyclist B, I want to know the reason why the pavement had been made shorter in width. If we could poll, I rather the road (and pavement) not be changed! Perhaps the relevant authorities could shed some light on this.

And the Government mentioned to encourage cycling for healthy lifestyle and reduce carbon emissions related to Global Warming. But people will not go to East Coast Park just to cycle. They would rather cycle on their way to market and do about their dailies. According to TODAY newspaper dated the 11 December 2008, it says on page 10 that "Global warming fight: S'pore ranks 38th". I think if Singapore wants to go further up the list, it ought to at least take this small step.

And you have come to the end of the first episode of my first Reality Discussion Show: Singapore OK... or Not? You may send in your thoughts as comments in the box below or click on the link! Thank you for reading and stay tuned for the next episode, as it may pop up anytime...