It’s refreshing to read in the news that a group of 60-84 is on a cycling trip around Singapore (140km). This is a great demonstration that cycling produce fit people. I recall the days in Holland seeing old folks cycling along the high streets, occasionally stopping by the shops, buying breakfast or having a cup of coffee. Street is safe and lively. Most of the older colleagues I know they are rather fit and active. On my first week in Holland, I was surprised to see so many old folks in the Saturday market. “This is a really ageing society!” I thought. Later I realised, most of the elders in Holland are much more active compared to people of the similar age in Hong Kong. They kept cycling to shop everyday.

I remembered that, one day I was surprised to find a drawing of a 14 meters boat on my colleague’s drafting table. Tinus, my colleague, was a TV designer and was about to retire at the age of 65. He was looking forward to his retirement and was planning to built his own boat!
Research find that if people cycle daily, they are physically 10 years younger than their inactive peers, generally living a more enjoyable and productive life. I saw so many people riding a bicycle to work everyday. It is no surprise that the ageing population in Holland is also the fittest.

I look forward to seeing the establishment of the first cycling town in Tampines to be followed by the rest of Singapore. Imagine the productivity gain if most of the Singaporeans become 10 years younger physically, thanks to frequent cycling to work? I am sure the happiness index will increase too, due to higher productivity and sense of self-worthiness.