"Fold it and Ride it" - Press Announcement by LTA on new folding bike trial

[baru]

Date of Issue: 21 May 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOLD IT AND RIDE IT
A six month trial to bring foldable bicycles on trains and buses

1   The Land Transport Authority (LTA), SMRT and SBST will launch a six-month trial to allow foldable bicycles on board trains and public buses during off-peak hours.

2   During the trial period from 24 May to 24 November 2008, foldable bicycles will be permitted on MRT / LRT trains every weekday during off-peak hours, and all day on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. From 24 May to 24 August 2008, foldable bicycles will also be permitted on SBST and SMRT buses all day on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. The trial on buses will be reviewed after the first three months. (Please refer to the Annex for the list of guidelines and timing.)

3   This trial is one of the several initiatives announced during the Land Transport Review to meet the transport needs of diverse groups of people. It recognises the increasing trend of people cycling for sports and recreation, cycling around the neighbourhood, or cycling to key transport nodes like MRT stations.

4   Mr Jeremy Yap, LTA’s Group Director for Vehicle and Transit Licensing said, “While catering to the needs of cyclists, we also want to ensure the safety and comfort of other commuters. Social graciousness and mutual accommodation play an important part. Cyclists and other commuters are encouraged to be considerate and make way for one another so that more people can use our public transport system to meet their diverse travel needs.”

5   "Commuters are already able to take foldable prams on board buses and carry luggage on board trains, such as when travelling to and from Changi Airport. We are trying to see if the same can be done for foldable bicycles. This trial will be able to help us seek the views from all stakeholders – cyclists, commuters, and operators. Due to the space constraints on buses as compared to the train, foldable bicycles will only be allowed on buses over the weekends and public holidays during the first three months. The feasibility to allow foldable bicycles on buses will be reviewed after three months.”
6   During the trial, SBST / SMRT station staff and bus drivers can disallow a cyclist to board a bus or enter the RTS system if the cyclist is unable to comply with the guidelines or if the actual situation within an MRT/LRT station, bus interchange/terminal or on board a train/bus does not permit foldable bicycles to be admitted safely and without inconveniencing other commuters.

7   Ms Kang Huey Ling, SMRT’s Director, Station Operations, said, “We are happy to work with LTA on this trial. At SMRT, we support cycling as a viable travel option by linking cycling with public transport. We encourage passengers with foldable bikes to be considerate to their fellow passengers so that everyone can enjoy a pleasant travel experience.”

8   Mr Gan Juay Kiat, Chief Operating Officer, SBS Transit Ltd, said, “In supporting this trial, we hope to help a new group of commuters to use public transport as they pursue healthy and fun living. It is a move that is in line with SBS Transit's green charter in supporting healthy and green living. We hope that through this trial, all commuters will learn to be more accommodating and share the limited space available on board buses and trains with one another. While we support the trial, we are also mindful of potential implementation problems. For instance, only foldable bicycles of a certain size are allowed on board our buses and trains. Commuters with bicycles that are larger will not be allowed on board. Cycling enthusiasts may also be turned away when the bus is crowded as bringing a bicycle on board during such instances may pose a safety hazard to all passengers. In cases like these, disagreements may occur and we seek the co-operation and understanding of all passengers so as not to cause unnecessary service delays and inconvenience to others.”

9   Ms Lim Kim Kee, an Accounts Assistant, said, “I am happy and welcome the trial with open arms. I use the foldable bicycle to exercise and get to different places of interest. I enjoy going to the East Coast Park during the weekends. As I live in Telok Blangah, I will cycle to the nearest MRT station (Redhill), hop onto a train to Kembangan MRT station and cycle there via the park connector.

10   “I hope to see more commuters welcoming us onto the trains and buses. We will also practise extra care and consideration to other commuters. At the end of the day, we are all happy commuters using the public transport system.”

11   The LTA and operators will monitor the trial closely and take in feedback from commuters during the course of the trial. The trial will help in assessing whether foldable bicycles can be brought onto buses and trains without affecting normal operations or inconveniencing other commuters.


http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/349208/1/.html

[baru]

FOLD IT AND RIDE IT
A six month trial to bring foldable bicycles on trains and buses


LTA'S GENERAL GUIDELINES


a)  Cyclists are responsible for the safe carriage of their foldable bicycles and must stay in the vicinity of their foldable bicycles at all times.

b)   Foldable bicycles should be folded at all times in the MRT / LRT stations, bus interchanges / terminals and on trains and buses.

c)   Foldable bicycles should not exceed 114 cm by 64 cm by 36 cm when folded. 
d)   The wheels of the foldable bicycles should be wrapped up if they are dirty or wet.

e)   Protruding parts likely to cause injury or dirty/damage property to be covered up.

f)   Foldable bicycles should not block the aisles and doors or impede commuter movement at any time.

g)   Foldable bicycles should be carried in an upright position.

h)   Only two foldable bicycles are allowed on each bus at any one time.

i)   When travelling by train, cyclist should use the first or last car, which is less crowded.

j)   Cyclists should use the lifts and wide fare gates at MRT / LRT stations where these are available.

k)   Foldable bicycles are not allowed on the upper deck of a bus or placed on the staircase leading to the upper deck.

l)   From 24 May to 24 August 2008, foldable bicycles are allowed on buses all day on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. They are not allowed on Mondays to Fridays.
                This will be reviewed after three months.

m)  For the trial on trains, off-peak hours during the six month trial period, 24 May to 24 November, are defined as:

-   Mon – Fri: 9.30am – 4.30pm, 7.30 pm to end of revenue service
-   All day on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays

SMRT / SBS Transit station staff and bus drivers may disallow foldable bicycles if the actual situation within an MRT/LRT station, bus interchange/terminal or on board a train/bus does not permit foldable bicycles to be admitted safely and without inconveniencing other commuters.

Cyclists of foldable bicycles may approach SMRT / SBS Transit staff if they require any assistance.

The public can share their views on this trial by contacting LTA via 1800 2255-582 (1800 Call-LTA), feedback@lta.gov.sg or SMS 77582 "77LTA".

[Jack Tay]

Wouldn't it defeat the purpose if only off peak hours are permitted? I was intending to use my strida to go to school using the train mid way.

[chewy]

Wouldn't it defeat the purpose if only off peak hours are permitted? I was intending to use my strida to go to school using the train mid way.

Well, I was already expecting that they would not allow us (& our Stridas) on board in the early rush hours. 

Already, the trains right now are quite congested. If your school is not too far (and I know teachers have to wake up really early already), maybe you can try cycling to school instead in the morning?? Oh my, what a workout it is going to be! 

But I guess if it takes 30 mins or so, still ok.

[Dark Knight 黑夜骑士]

<< c)   Foldable bicycles should not exceed 114 cm by 64 cm by 36 cm when folded >>

Strida is over size?

So how?

[remotemadness]

hai... like what jack tay say... defeat the purpose..

isn't it suppose to address different mode of transportation..

i would rather they charge a norminal fee for taking extra space in the train and buses then retrict you from bringing it in..

[baru]

<< c)   Foldable bicycles should not exceed 114 cm by 64 cm by 36 cm when folded >>

Strida is over size?

So how?

Hi Howie, Strida is ok - it is 114 cm by 51 cm by 23 cm. 

[qwerty]

Here is the news clipping from MYPAPER today...See who's dat..... 






credit :MYPAPER.sg

More news on CNA : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/349208/1/.html

[davidtch]

hai... like what jack tay say... defeat the purpose..

isn't it suppose to address different mode of transportation..

i would rather they charge a norminal fee for taking extra space in the train and buses then retrict you from bringing it in..

Well, i c that it is a good move going forward.  Please understand that it was nvr OFFICIALLY allowed on public transport. 

By d way, does anybody notice that off-peak hour mentioned is almost identical to Concession hours for Senior Citizens?

Lastly, we should thank whoever that is involved 4 their effort.

[aldrinnoer]

l)   From 24 May to 24 August 2008, foldable bicycles are allowed on buses all day on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. They are not allowed on Mondays to Fridays.
                This will be reviewed after three months.

I'm confused with this point. We can not allowed on Monday - Friday??? How if we go bike to work and sometimes wants to use bus? Can anyone help me to answer for this? Thank you.

[biketrooper]

What? Off-peak? how to go to work with my strida?    maybe after 3 months if all goes well... they might change the time restriction .... Btw, Thanks Vivian for your time and effort with the Authorities.

[baru]

Thanks, BikeTrooper.  We have tried our best to push for all hours - we have been working with LTA, the bus and train operators for one long year now and there have been many dissenting views from various stakeholders.

Peak hours, off peak hours, the size of the folding bikes, these issues have been trashed in and out for a long time!   Some folding bike cyclists such as David, Qwerty, Blur have also been involved in the proposed initiative to get folding bikes recognised as such and for the LTA to consider letting our bikes in (legally!)   It has been quite a thankless and long-drawn project but at least it is heading in a forward direction. 

Instead of discussing only in this forum, you can all play a small but significant part in giving relevant feedback to LTA on this bike trial by the following:

Hotline: 1800 2255-582 (1800 Call-LTA)
Email: feedback@lta.gov.sg
SMS 77582 "77LTA"
www.lta.gov.sg

Our collective views and feedback will create a greater impact together! 

[Strida Singapore]

Also LianHe-ZaoBao 22 May 2008, Page 4 

[awcute]

Kim is very famous now liao, poster girl!

[davidtch]

How about press clip from ST & Berita Harian?

[win918]

Just like to share my views on this matter.
The above initiative by LTA is good for folding bikes. However with my past experiences in taking buses with the strida during off peak hrs, i only take the bus when its quite empty as the strida take up some space even when i'm sitting down. I only take the newer SBS handicapped friendly buses. The older buses do not quite have the space for stridas as its elongated unless you want to tuck in between your legs. For me,i'm tall so the seats on older buses do not fit me unless i'm at the front or rear end. People do give me looks at times when i'm occupying the space meant for handicapped people with my strida. For buses,take when its less packed.
For MRT,I only took once and its also on sunday when there's not many people. Weekdays so many people,bring strida felt paiseh, like my bike taking up space.

[davidtch]

Just like to share my views on this matter.
The above initiative by LTA is good for folding bikes. However with my past experiences in taking buses with the strida during off peak hrs, i only take the bus when its quite empty as the strida take up some space even when i'm sitting down. I only take the newer SBS handicapped friendly buses. The older buses do not quite have the space for stridas as its elongated unless you want to tuck in between your legs. For me,i'm tall so the seats on older buses do not fit me unless i'm at the front or rear end. People do give me looks at times when i'm occupying the space meant for handicapped people with my strida. For buses,take when its less packed.
For MRT,I only took once and its also on sunday when there's not many people. Weekdays so many people,bring strida felt paiseh, like my bike taking up space.

No need 2 paiseh 1.  Almost every wkend, i cycle my bike friday tikit from home -> Lavender -> Balestier -> Thomson/Upper Thomson -> Mandai.  I will end up in MRT station.  Change my shoe from SPD to sandal.  Take a rest & ride MRT home.  Sometime, MRT is so pack that i had to squeeze in.

[awcute]

I am the king of cycling in Orchard road. If you see a yellow stirda and not so tall guy with black helmet & yellow stripes on helment that will be ME!
I do this mostly weekends also, some days like when I am on leave I do these things also but mostly after peak hours.
I took MRT between AMK and Newton (to & fro) cycling is from my house to AMK mrt station & Newton mrt station to anywhere I want to go, normally up to chinatown
This tuesday I actually cycle from home to Dhobi Ghaut via road (no taking park connector, which means along bishan road, toa payoh, balestier, jalan besar, bencoolen) hahaha. Traffic actually not that heavy until between Toa Payoh & Jalan Besar.

[aldrinnoer]

Hi All,

I've been Bike To work in Singapore since I bought my-strida last year. Even until now, from my hotel to office everyday. After I read the regulation, I recommend all of us doing a continues soft-campaign. The goal is for allowing us to use MRT and buses during peak hour as part of bike to work and reduce the pollution.

This what we have done as well in Jakarta. Encourage members to keep riding in groups of our folding bike during peak hour every Friday for almost a year as well as night rider. Bicycle especially folding bike is now our choice to change the world.

By doing this, I believe Singapore Govenrment will change their regulations and will allow us as Bike To Worker using MRT and busess during peak hour and make earth green again.

Regards,
Aldrin
BTW-Striders
Let's Bike to Work for cleaner and better air

[BkiniInspector]

Our poster boy Alex is in the Straits Times today.

[Jack Tay]

Wouldn't it defeat the purpose if only off peak hours are permitted? I was intending to use my strida to go to school using the train mid way.

Well, I was already expecting that they would not allow us (& our Stridas) on board in the early rush hours. 

Already, the trains right now are quite congested. If your school is not too far (and I know teachers have to wake up really early already), maybe you can try cycling to school instead in the morning?? Oh my, what a workout it is going to be! 

But I guess if it takes 30 mins or so, still ok.

Sadly i study in the west and live in the east...

Shouldn't LTA do the testing during proper times when people go to work or school? I mean how conclusive would it be if they find out yes it is viable from 9.30am to 4.30pm and 7.30pm onwards? That wouldn't justify if it will work for the rush hours right? Just hope LTA would be more daring when doing these tests.

I would think everyone would agree with me a folded baby pram is just as "dangerous" as a folded strida..

[BkiniInspector]

Well I know that a lot of people think differently especially those working in stat. board or gov. sector. They have to please everybody la. Its good if their intentions is to help people.
There are some who step on others in order to get promotion. Anyway I pity those who needs to travel by bus/train/ride in normal working hours. They still cannot take the train legally.
People who talk loudly to their friends or into their hand phone or even blast their phone speaker is more nuisance. Let's wait  for the outcome of this trial.

[Strida Singapore]

Our poster boy 

[Strida Singapore]

FOLD it & RIDE it! Brochure now available at MRT stations 

[Strida Singapore]

How to check if your folding bike is within the dimension 

[coolthought]

Do anyone noticed that there are lots of comics on this latest announcement? And the folding bicycle in these comics is none other than the Strida. Thumbs up!!

[davidtch]

Sadly i study in the west and live in the east...

Shouldn't LTA do the testing during proper times when people go to work or school? I mean how conclusive would it be if they find out yes it is viable from 9.30am to 4.30pm and 7.30pm onwards? That wouldn't justify if it will work for the rush hours right? Just hope LTA would be more daring when doing these tests.

I would think everyone would agree with me a folded baby pram is just as "dangerous" as a folded strida..

Jack, it is better 2 exercise ur civil rights by giving d concerns mentioned 2 LTA.  Things will not improved unless d authority understands ur concern.  We understand ur ply.  However, that's all we can do.

[awcute]

Slowly slowly lah, it is good already we have a ruling on this.

So please behave and if they see benefit and if LTA get praised for this, and some positive nudging to the direction we wanted, hopefully that day will come. Anyway LTA have to be careful also not to cause anger by non cycling commuters. If they give to much to us, those cycling haters (probably because they cannot cycle?) will write nasty complain letters to newspapers and we go back to the no bicycle on public transport ... which is many steps back.

[cyclistjohn]

Slowly slowly lah, it is good already we have a ruling on this.

So please behave and if they see benefit and if LTA get praised for this, and some positive nudging to the direction we wanted, hopefully that day will come. Anyway LTA have to be careful also not to cause anger by non cycling commuters. If they give to much to us, those cycling haters (probably because they cannot cycle?) will write nasty complain letters to newspapers and we go back to the no bicycle on public transport ... which is many steps back.

Very important points there, awcute!

See:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7372956.stm

for what can happen.

[awcute]

Oh my it is happening already in London, any news from other cyclist friendly city like Paris/Taiwan?

I do agree the root of the problem is overcrowding and not the cyclist.

Even without the cyclist people are getting more sensitive. Who to blame? Overcrowding make people invade each other's personal space. We cannot tolerate that for too long especially if it is hot, humid. It is even worse when the train is delayed due to break down and someone pass wind (add additional smell to the already hot and humid air).