zzm9980 wrote:Road riding is do-able if you've done it in any other major non-bike friendly city in the world. While people drive terribly in Singapore, they're also fairly predictable and it's not terribly hard to ride defensively.
The only thing predictable about the drivers here is that they are unpredictable. They will turn left into the driveway you are about to cross and without any hesitation. They will pull out into the intersection you are crossing as if you are not there. Lorry drivers and bus drivers think you should be on the sidewalk, so they won't give you any room as they pass.
So, yes, riding defensively on the roads is mandatory.
Best to ride in early morning or at night.
Or just ride fast, faster than the traffic to stay ahead of what's coming from behind.
Better to take advantage of the parks and connectors and stay away from the roads.
If you consider your bike to be special in some way, then sure, bring it.
Otherwise, there are quite a few bike shops here that can cater to your needs.