Singapore Immigration News: Under the expansion plan, a new cycling path will connect the vehicular bridge outside VivoCity directly to Sentosa Island. Three existing cycling paths on the island will also be extended and interconnected. Upon completion, the total length of the cycling paths on the island will be approximately 18 kilometers, doubling the current length, allowing visitors to easily explore most of the attractions in Sentosa by bicycle.
Sentosa Island will upgrade its cycling infrastructure, and the public may be able to cycle into and out of Sentosa via dedicated paths in three years' time. The three existing cycling paths on the island will also be extended and connected, allowing people to easily explore all parts of the island by bike in the future.
The Sentosa Development Corporation is re-planning the cycling paths on the island to align with the previously announced redevelopment plans for six zones. Currently, the island has three themed cycling paths: “Family Fun,” “Fun and Nature,” and “Nature and Leisure.” After interconnection, the total length of the island's cycling paths will be approximately 18 kilometers, twice the current length, allowing visitors to easily ride to most of Sentosa's attractions.
Several locations on the island will also be equipped with bicycle parking facilities, so visitors do not need to worry about where to park their bikes. In addition, signage on the cycling paths will be more prominent, and relevant sections of the road may be fitted with safety bollards and warning signs to prevent vehicles from entering the paths.
Under the expansion plan, a new cycling path will stretch from the vehicular bridge outside VivoCity directly to Sentosa Island, splitting into eastern and western directions.
The new eastward cycling path will run along Artillery Avenue, connecting to the “Nature and Leisure” path on Allanbrooke Road. The existing cycling path currently ends at The Residences at W Singapore - Sentosa Cove after bypassing Serapong Golf Course; the authorities plan to extend this dedicated path and build a bidirectional road to connect it to the “Family Fun” path at Siloso Beach.
The new westward cycling path will run along Siloso Road, connecting to the “Fun and Nature” path around the forest, leading to Fort Siloso.
Cheah Guan Heng, Divisional Director of Property Planning and Development at Sentosa Development Corporation, stated when asked: “Sentosa Development Corporation hopes to create a loop experience across various parts of the island, from the beaches to the forests. These cycling routes can lead visitors to lesser-known historical sites, natural coastal ecosystems, and beautiful scenery and new attractions that are only visible from advantageous vantage points.”
He added that the authorities are also discussing with other government agencies whether existing or future park connectors on mainland Singapore can be linked to Sentosa's cycling paths.
Construction to begin in the second half of next year
Some visitors prefer walking, so the authorities are considering installing pedestrian paths alongside the bike paths. Currently, there are already a total of 5 kilometers of pedestrian paths alongside bike paths that pass through beaches and forests. However, having both side-by-side may lead to pedestrians “crossing over” into the bike paths, so the authorities are studying methods to separate pedestrians from cyclists.
The cycling path construction project is expected to begin in the second half of 2015 and be completed in two years.
Cheah emphasized that the expansion plan is still in the discussion and planning stage, and the authorities need to consult for more feedback. The budget for the construction costs has not yet been finalized.
The construction of a cycling path between the mainland and Sentosa Island is good news for cycling enthusiasts.
David Ho (25, artist) has previously cycled across the bridge into Sentosa to head to Sentosa Cove. “I originally cycled on the sidewalk, but when the sidewalk ended, I had to cycle on the road, but other vehicles were very fast, which was very dangerous. Having a dedicated cycling path is safer for riders, and the journey will be smoother.”
Zhou Hong (19, university student), who lives in northern Singapore, hopes that authorities will offer bicycle rental services outside VivoCity to make it convenient for visitors to cycle into the island. “I live very far away and it is impossible to cycle from home, so renting a bike would be more practical.”
Denis (35, rowing coach) from Hungary, who frequently cycles into and out of Sentosa, believes that many drivers lack the awareness to share the road with cyclists, so it is safer to ride on dedicated paths. However, since some pedestrians also use the cycling paths, he hopes the authorities will place large warning signs to remind drivers and pedestrians to be more careful.
