Bicycles to be allowed on trains & buses....

If you're a bicycle lover or usually travels around with a bicycle,then Im sure you will be very happy to hear this news.Unfortunately though,it is only part of a 6-month trial and when I say bicycles,it only applies to foldable bicycles.

This is an initiative by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in a study to meet the transport needs of diverse groups of people.The trial period is from May 24 to November 24 this year.There is a specific time limit too in particular during the weekdays.Foldable bicycles will be allowed on MRT trains every weekday during off-peak hours and on SBS and SMRT buses on weekends and public holidays.I think what they are trying to say here that you are not allowed to bring your foldable bicycles onto the MRT trains during peak hours and you are not allowed bring it at all on weekends and public holidays if you are travelling by train.Although the move gives cyclists more convenience,a LTA spokesman said in a press conference that public safety must still come first.During the trial,public transport staff can stop a cyclist from boarding a bus or train if the cyclist is unable to comply with given guidelines.The LTA and operators will monitor and review the initiative after the trial period.

I dont ride a bicycle nor do I have one so I dont think this move will affect me much.I'm glad that they are restricting it to foldable bicycles only because I think it would be a huge inconvenient for the riders as well as the other commuters if the non-foldable bicycles are also allowed to be brought into the trains or the buses as well.I think the cyclist will be the one who benefit the most from this move,considering if they have foldable bikes as it would make their journey much more easier.Nevertheless,I think it would be troublesome for them to keep folding and unfolding their bikes each time they want to board the bus or the train.My main concern as a commuter is whether the bike will block the passage and make it difficult for other passengers to board or drop off from the bus.I know its foldable but still,most of the bicycles are very big and this could cause some problem.6 months is a reasonable period I think so lets see how it goes.

As usual,I would love to listen if you have any comment on this issue.If not,just keep quiet.

*This report was taken from ChannelNewsAsia.