Soon, you'll be able to walk and cycle along a 60-metre stretch on Eng Hoon Street in Tiong Bahru without having to worry about vehicles. Starting from the end of this month, it will be closed off to vehicular traffic as part of a six-month trial.
This trial comes alongside a slate of moves towards a car-lite Singapore. Roadside parking spaces in Seng Poh Road and Lim Liak Street will be converted into wider footpaths and community spaces, Senior Minister of State for Transport Amy Khor said on Wednesday (March 9).
The Land Transport Authority also announced more Transit Priority Corridors (TPCs), which are roads that incorporate bus-only lanes wider pavements and cycling paths. Examples are Bencoolen Street and the upcoming North-South corridor, with another 60km of such TPCs projected by 2030. They will be built in places like Tengah, Jurong Lake District, Bayshore, and more, forming major routes that are safer and more pleasant for Singaporeans to walk and cycle on.
We're all for these measures towards a car-lite Singapore, and in particular, the pedestrianisation of streets in Singapore. If you've ever walked freely on the road at Ann Siang Hill at night, enjoyed a cool drink along a car-free street at Haji Lane on the weekends, or walked along the pedestrians-only Connaught Drive and Anderson Bridge while exploring the civic district – then you'll understand the joy and freedom of car-free streets.
Will these measures encourage you to walk and cycle more? Do you think it spells good business for bars and restaurants along pedestrianised streets? What other streets should be made car-free? Tell us what you think.
READ MORE
Brompton Bicycle Interview: What makes a great cycling city?
8 prettiest streets in Singapore to explore
8 cool and hidden streets in Singapore