Exciting Changes for Walking and Cycling Enthusiasts

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) has announced an ambitious initiative to transform 10 towns into vibrant, pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly zones by 2026, ensuring safer and more accessible environments for residents and visitors alike.

Holland Village Leads the Charge

Leading the charge is Holland Village, where about 2km of roads, including Holland Avenue and Holland Drive, will undergo significant enhancements. Planned improvements include the installation of road humps and a reduction in speed limits along select stretches, making it a safer haven for pedestrians.

Other Towns Set for Upgrades

Not just Holland Village, but towns such as Bedok, Buangkok, Bukit Panjang, Choa Chu Kang, Jurong East, Pek Kio, Punggol, Sembawang, and Tiong Bahru are also set to receive these upgrades under the initiative titled "Friendly Streets."

Connecting Key Neighbourhood Amenities

The project aims to connect key neighbourhood amenities, such as markets, MRT stations, and schools, with an enhanced infrastructure to promote walking and cycling. Senior Minister of State for Transport Amy Khor announced at the launch event last January that work will kick off in the first half of 2025 and is expected to complete by the end of 2026. By 2030, residents can anticipate at least one Friendly Street in every town in Singapore!

Collaborative Effort with Residents

In a collaborative effort with residents, LTA has identified specific locations and features for each Friendly Street. New amenities will include barrier-free crossings, extended green-man signals, and newly designed road markings to encourage drivers to reduce speed when approaching pedestrian areas. Special signage will also guide motorists into these revamped zones.

Specific Improvements in Holland Village

In Holland Village specifically, watch for a new signalised pedestrian crossing for those heading to Holland Village and Holland Avenue Hill Park, alongside a relocated crossing on Holland Drive designed to improve access to the Holland Drive Market and Food Centre. Additionally, new road humps and wider centre dividers will be implemented to slow traffic and provide elderly and vulnerable pedestrians with safe passage to nearby amenities like the Buona Vista Community Club and MRT stations.

Residents' Views

Long-time residents William and Lee Tang shared their views, stressing that the current road conditions favor vehicles over pedestrians. Mrs. Tang emphasized that while a lower speed limit is beneficial, road humps may be even more effective in compelling drivers to slow down, ensuring pedestrian safety.

Improvements in Bukit Panjang

In Bukit Panjang, residents can look forward to a pedestrian priority crossing near the Bukit Panjang Community Club and Pending LRT station, enhancing convenience when accessing the Bukit Panjang Hawker Centre and Zhenghua Nature Park.

Safety Upgrades in Pek Kio

Meanwhile, in Pek Kio, a new raised, signalised pedestrian crossing will be installed on Owen Road, aiding in safer access to the Pek Kio Market and Food Centre. This area will also benefit from raised zebra crossings, kerbless crossings, and additional centre dividers, vital for both current and future residents of Owen Road’s new public housing developments.

Successful Pilot Programs

These improvements stem from successful pilot programs initiated in various neighborhoods, including Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Batok West, Toa Payoh, and West Coast. Feedback indicated that 90% of residents noted an enhancement in their walking and cycling experience, suggesting this initiative is on the right track toward revolutionizing urban mobility in Singapore.

Upcoming Projects

An additional pilot project in Tampines is also nearing completion, set for March, marking another step toward a greener and more walkable Singapore!

Conclusion

Stay tuned for more updates on how these transformations are set to improve life for all who enjoy the outdoors in Singapore!