Introduction

SINGAPORE: While Singapore prides itself on being one of the safest cities globally, that doesn't mean residents can let their guard down when it comes to securing personal belongings.

Concerns About Bicycle Safety

A discussion sparked on Reddit after a local user expressed concerns about the safety of parking his brand-new bicycle at the void deck bicycle rack of his Housing and Development Block (HDB). He considered purchasing a bicycle from Decathlon, equipped with a basket, lights, and two locks, amounting to approximately S$280.

User's Dilemma

The user was pondering whether it would be wise to leave his bike at the dual bicycle rack located at the bottom of his HDB or if it would be better to store it in the corridor outside his unit. He was particularly worried about whether he should remove the lights and basket every time he left it unattended.

Community Response

Most respondents in the thread were clear that it would be in his best interest to keep the bicycle inside his unit, emphasizing, “You never know what will happen when you place it outside.” One user noted the risks associated with leaving the bike at the void deck, highlighting that while parking in the corridor may pose less risk, the safest option would definitely be to secure it inside.

Condition of Parking Areas

Another commenter raised a point about the condition of local bicycle parking areas, suggesting a stroll around to observe that most of these racks are filled with old or rusty bicycles, indicating a higher likelihood of theft. They suggested a guideline: if you're not prepared to lose your bike or deal with damage from public handling, it's better to invest in a second-hand, less expensive bike for outdoor parking.

Purpose of Bicycle Racks

The reactions prompted the post author to question the very purpose of having a bike rack if it wasn't secure enough.

HDB Regulations

A review of HDB regulations reveals that there are strict rules about what can be left in corridors, prohibiting large and bulky items that could obstruct emergency services.

A Real-life Example

In a sobering example of these concerns, earlier this month, a woman shared on Facebook that her bicycle had been stolen from the void deck of her HDB, prompting a plea for assistance in locating it.

Decline in Bicycle Sales

Interestingly, this incident ties in with recent reports from bike shops indicating a 20-30% decline in sales, which many attribute to the government's announcement of bans on riding bicycles on pedestrian paths—forcing potential buyers to reconsider their options.

Conclusion

As discussions about safety continue, residents in Singapore are advised to think critically about how and where they store their bicycles, especially those that come with a significant price tag.