Thanks for all who have feedback. Here is a complied list of all the contributors:
1) What I like about the trial:
I can travel a long distance on public transport and then cycle to the exact point I need to go. Healthy, green, convenient and save money!
No need to walk a long distance or wait for shuttle bus
Bus drivers and MRT personnel are pleasant toward folding bike users.
On the road, I noticed SMRT bus drivers are more cautious toward cyclists
The possibility to use MRT/bus come in very handy when it rain.
2) Problem/issues I faced during the trial:
I can’t use the folding bike during peak hours
Sometimes the train/bus is too crowded for folding bike to board
On Buses, I need to squeeze through a narrow passage before reaching the open space near the exit of the bus
There is a social stigma against cyclists. I get the feeling that Taxi drivers and large truck drivers really don’t like cyclists on the road.
A few times I had to stop quite dangerously to avoid knocking into cars that try to cut in front of me to turn left.
I notice some cyclists are quite rude toward pedestrians, as if they own the pavement.
3) Improvement suggestions:
Allow folding bikes at all times, not just peak hours. Otherwise there should be theft-proof parking facilities in MRT station.
Allowed folding bike to board from the exit (near to the space for wheel chair)
Allocate a “cyclist cart” on each train (remove all the seats) for folding bike /bulky objects. This helps to ease the conflict between passengers and folding bike cyclists.
Have operator to run a “folding bike share” program along all the MRT stations. User can pick up from any station and drop off at another station. SMRT can use the MRT to relocate the bikes to balance the demand in each station.
Improve road safe (e.g. reduce car speeds), especially in busy area near to the stations or shopping center.
Mark out a bicycle lane on road/ or on pavement where fast traffic is dangerous for cyclist.
Add bicycle rack in front of SMRT buses.
Read more:
LTA “Fold it and Ride it” trial on MRT and Buses
How to bring folding bike on Buses?
How to bring folding bike on MRT?
Thanks for the review! Agree very strongly with your last point. An external bike rack is a much better way to carry bikes on a bus than trying to squeeze in a folding bike into a crowded bus. The city I lived in previously (in the USA) before recently moving to Singapore had bus bike racks and I loved it. Other people have told me too that Singaporean drivers don’t respect cyclists but I’ve ridden around Georgetown, Penang quite a bit…is it that much worse?
Hi, it is encouraging to have the Gov (LTA) to allow foldable bikes to commute on the MRT and busses, pity its only from 9:30am-4:30pm.
It will be even better on the part of LTA, and for commuters who are travelling to work, say to allow even before the peak hour starts (ie 5:45-6:55am).
hello guys..
read your reviews and am interested..
but where do I get it in S’pore..?
can’t seem to find it in Y pages..
many tks
Are JZ88 bikes still in production? Please reply.