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Cycling advice
Posted: Thu, 21 May 2015 6:50 pm
by shanghaijake
I'm moving to Singapore next month and will be living in Sommerville Park, I'm hoping that some one can give me a cycle route from their to near Somerset MRT as this is where I will be working.
I don't mind going the long way round if one route is safer than another as I currently cycle 13km each way as part of my daily commute in Shanghai. I'm an experienced city rider but any helpful tips about traffic and safety would also be appreciated that relate to Singapore.
Also do you need gears or would just a single gear be ok and what is the general cycling scene like over there.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Re: Cycling advice
Posted: Thu, 21 May 2015 7:31 pm
by JR8
It's very stop/start here. Every 50m or less you have to wait at a road, or entrance ramp. So I'd suggest geared, than non. Rarely will you get a pace on, and be able to keep it.
HV <> mid-Orchard ooh. Not much chance for 'pleasant options' on that rather direct route.
Tips? : Only loonies cycle here. The locals will try and run you over (for fun).
Re: Cycling advice
Posted: Fri, 22 May 2015 9:15 am
by the lynx
Cycling as a culture is not mature here. The roads in general are not designed to accommodate cyclists but at the same time, it is against the law to cycle on the pavement.
You live close enough to the lovely Park Connector Network for West side (nearest entrance point to your area would be Ghim Moh canal) and it goes all the way to Jurong East. Nice for leisure or workout cycling.
Unfortunately between Holland area (where Sommerville Park) and Somerset is not exactly an optimal route. You'll probably find it bearable from Holland to Botanic Garden (right before Tanglin) but once you enter Tanglin to reach Orchard and Somerset, that's where navigating busy roads, high-density pedestrians and heavy traffic will be a problem.
It is very humid to cycle in Singapore. Make sure you have a good/comfortable shower facilities in your office.
If you insist to cycle, take Holland Road and continue to Napier Road, followed by Grange Road and then either Devonshire/Exeter Road or Somerset Road (depending where exactly in Somerset you will work). Somerset Road will be a little confusing to navigate because the junctions (where Cairnhill Road, Somerset Road and Grange Road meet) are not in regular square so it will be a challenge for the first-timers to figure out at which point they want to cross.
The reason I know this is because that area is one of my jogging routes so I have similar concerns regarding navigation and pedestrians. I cycle strictly in PCNs for that safety reason.
Hope this helps. Holler if you need more answers.
Re: Cycling advice
Posted: Fri, 22 May 2015 10:00 am
by bgd
I can't provide any specific routes for that area but if you are used to city cycling Sg is not so bad.
Drivers aren't particularly competent but are predictable and generally lack the aggression you find in their western counterparts. Pretty easy to adjust to.
I would imagine your commute in Shanghai could be entertaining - that's based on the videos I see coming out of China.

Re: Cycling advice
Posted: Fri, 22 May 2015 10:53 am
by jennifertan
Singapore is very best place to ride cycle. Just follow the rules and signals and will be the safe all the time. Don't be hurry when you drive. Always focus on the road. Hava a great day.

Re: Cycling advice
Posted: Fri, 22 May 2015 11:56 am
by the lynx
You obviously never cycled on a regular road on regular basis in Singapore, did you? :roll eyes:
Re: Cycling advice
Posted: Fri, 22 May 2015 2:30 pm
by sundaymorningstaple
the lynx wrote:You obviously never cycled on a regular road on regular basis in Singapore, did you? :roll eyes:
Innit the truth!

Re: Cycling advice
Posted: Fri, 22 May 2015 6:10 pm
by zzm9980
jennifertan wrote:Singapore is very best place to ride cycle. Just follow the rules and signals and will be the safe all the time. Don't be hurry when you drive. Always focus on the road. Hava a great day.

This person is either a troll or an absolute retard.
Re: Cycling advice
Posted: Fri, 22 May 2015 6:15 pm
by JR8
Probably both?
Re: Cycling advice
Posted: Mon, 13 Jul 2015 2:09 am
by American
how has your commute gone? did you keep it up, or give up? 100$ bet that you gave it up!
SG is no place to be a bike commuter. I've tried and and failed miserably. After the 1st few days, I decided to try and ride the side walk. only problem is there are many roads without sidewalks.
Save the Mtn Bike for the nice trails they have around the island, or maybe the nice cafe rider to cafe and bar hop Tiong Bahru, or a decent roadie and do the early morning rides in a group for fun.
You're better off commuting in one of those adult-sized kiddie scooters
Re: Cycling advice
Posted: Tue, 28 Jul 2015 8:10 pm
by wenber
Safety first
Always wear bike helmet when u cycle
Re: Cycling advice
Posted: Tue, 28 Jul 2015 8:49 pm
by sundaymorningstaple
tic...toc...tic...toc....
moderator
Re: Cycling advice
Posted: Wed, 29 Jul 2015 8:03 pm
by KleenWayne70
Cycling in Singapore is more of a hobbit then a day commute. Driver no like cyclist on the road. Need to be really careful. Most local cycle in East Coast Park area where it is many food/sight to see.
Re: Cycling advice
Posted: Mon, 10 Aug 2015 11:07 pm
by MayDay5
Need to be really careful when you cycling.
Re: Cycling advice
Posted: Tue, 11 Aug 2015 12:09 am
by FOX711
I am new here un Singapore, and I have decided to use bicycle as my transportation to daily work.
Luckily my location is qutie suitable for cycling, by the bedok reservoir. And lots of my colleagues r cycling to work, we have hot shower in the office.
Its only 4km from my home to my work. I guess it really depends on your location.
I guess from the decription, its not very practical in ur case, maybe you should leave it as a hobby and do it during the weekend, then just use uber or grab taxi to work.
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