Should we bring our own bicycles?

[AnnJolie123]

Hello,

we are moving in October to Singapore and just thinking whether it is worth shipping our bicycles over? Is it safe to cycle there? Are there any restrictions on cycling on the roads?

Best,
Ann

[beppi]

Cycling is never entirely safe, and the traffic in Singapore can be crazy.
Another factor is the weather (hot and sticky all year round), which makes many people think cycling is akin to self-flagellation.
I did, however, cycle all over the island for years, with no apparent ill effect, and I think it's an excellent way to explore Singapore off the beaten track.
There is also a growing network or "park connector" bike ways.
Although not enforced, it is not officially allowed to cycle on the pavements or pedestrian walkways.

[ecureilx]

.
There is also a growing network or "park connector" bike ways.
Although not enforced, it is not officially allowed to cycle on the pavements or pedestrian walkways.

there are park connectors that can let you clock up to 100 km or more, in this little island

re cycling on pavement it isn't true anymore

parts of sidewalks in some areas have been converted to shared paths for cyclists and pedestrians, few years ago

[zzm9980]

Hello,

we are moving in October to Singapore and just thinking whether it is worth shipping our bicycles over?

What kind of bikes?

Bikes are slightly pricier here, especially for high-end models. If you only have cheaper/low end models (say,under $1000) then you can buy decent bikes here.

I think bikes are great for the park connectors and side streets. Be wary on busy roads as there are no dedicated bike lanes (just like you would in any other big city). Many airlines let you check in a bike for no additional cost as long as it is an appropriate bike bag/box.

[Strong Eagle]

However, they need to be left hand drive.

[sundaymorningstaple]

Some nice single malt behind that comment, SE?

[ecureilx]

However, they need to be left hand drive.

.

[Dert42]

I wouldn't ride a bike to work, or around downtown, although you can.
We're about to buy bikes so we can go for rides around in the parks and park connectors. So if you like to bike at all, then yes, bring them!

[CaptainBullus]

Having been 'in country' for a month now one of my little annoyances is that everyone cycles on the pavement! Almost everyday I hear the ringing of a bike bell and everyone scatters (well, saunters mostly) as some cyclist shoots by. Has anyone told these people they're not allowed on the pavement?

[bgd]

Having been 'in country' for a month now one of my little annoyances is that everyone cycles on the pavement! Almost everyday I hear the ringing of a bike bell and everyone scatters (well, saunters mostly) as some cyclist shoots by. Has anyone told these people they're not allowed on the pavement?

In some parts of Singapore it's legal, but can't remember where now. Punggol? One of the new towns anyway.

I doubt telling them it's not legal will have any impact. I quite like the way people just let them pass without comment. And in many cases, given the way they cycle, it's probably a survival thing. I wouldn't fancy their chances on the roads. I just put it down to one of the differences of living in Asia.

To the OP, bring your bikes. Sg is great place for cycling.

[ecureilx]

tampines allows shared use

btw last week, when I was in a bus, near Novena a cyclist cut dangerously in front of the bus and the driver just tooted the horn to warn the cyclist, and you know the busses here have the quitest horns ..

the cyclist stops right in front of the bus and stares at the driver and rides off, the bus driver just shaking his head ... alas, just me alone in the bus so nobody took pictures

and the same cyclist just whizzed past the red light ahead, in front of IRAS, as if it was green for him ...








not to rub it in, the cyclist was sans a helmet and was 'fair skinned' ----

[JR8]

Having been 'in country' for a month now one of my little annoyances is that everyone cycles on the pavement! Almost everyday I hear the ringing of a bike bell and everyone scatters (well, saunters mostly) as some cyclist shoots by. Has anyone told these people they're not allowed on the pavement?

After longer here this is now a pet-peeve

Cyclists often ride on the pavement as it's a short-cut, or because they're afraid of the drivers on the road. But pedestrians on the pavements get terrorised and they have nowhere else to go. They're making their fear yours.

'Ding ding.... DING DING DING!!' I just ignore them. It's MY right of way, and they should be on the road. I lost it once recently and told an uncle trying to force me off the pavement precisely that. He had to stop while I scolded him, no eye contact from him of course, as he weaved around me.

If there was room and someone wanted to pass by on a bike I likely wouldn't mind at all. It's the presumption and bell-ringing, that I must supposedly immediately jump out of their path that annoys me.

[zzm9980]

Having been 'in country' for a month now one of my little annoyances is that everyone cycles on the pavement! Almost everyday I hear the ringing of a bike bell and everyone scatters (well, saunters mostly) as some cyclist shoots by. Has anyone told these people they're not allowed on the pavement?

After longer here this is now a pet-peeve

Cyclists often ride on the pavement as it's a short-cut, or because they're afraid of the drivers on the road. But pedestrians on the pavements get terrorised and they have nowhere else to go. They're making their fear yours.

'Ding ding.... DING DING DING!!' I just ignore them. It's MY right of way, and they should be on the road. I lost it once recently and told an uncle trying to force me off the pavement precisely that. He had to stop while I scolded him, no eye contact from him of course, as he weaved around me.

If there was room and someone wanted to pass by on a bike I likely wouldn't mind at all. It's the presumption and bell-ringing, that I must supposedly immediately jump out of their path that annoys me.

"Get off my lawn!"

[Barnsley]

tampines allows shared use

Ah yes... one of the most foolish policies ever.

Have you been to Tampines... I amazed there are not more incidents than there are the way the folks ride bikes on the footpath. Its incredibly dangerous as thy fly through bus stops especially. Now with the intro of electric bikes... folks who previously woulda been huffing n puffing to get above walking pace on their bikes can now fly around the footpaths at around 20km/hr++.
Even where there are cycle paths "cyclists" would rather ride on the footpath designated for pedestrians.
To follow your odd dig at "whitey" in your post its 100% abused by the bangla n chinese guys where I live... no white folk for me to have a pop at.
They also like to cycle on the wrong side of the road as well...
I know these guys are paid sod all but they really dpnt seem to value their lives or have any clue at all on how to cycle here.

Rant over ... sorry

[curiousgeorge]

However, they need to be left hand drive.

People think I am an idiot when I tell them that if importing they will have to convert right-hand drive motorbike to left-hand drive.

But back to the OPs question.

No, don't bring your bikes. If you do they will join the rusty graveyard of your condo's bike stand. Seriously, every* condo I have ever been in here has a collection of locked bikes covered in rust with flat tyres that have probably been there since the original owners moved out 10 yrs ago. Seems expats like the idea of cycling more than actually cycling in Singapore.

If you don't own lycra with padded bum bits, you're not a serious enough cyclist to warrant bringing them. Besides, what the cost of shipping them Vs the price to buy here? Can get a cheap one at Giant for $120.

*except the condo I visit on Sentosa.