Abstract
Over the years, Singapore’s growing transport needs has continuously called for the expansion of road infrastructure. As road infrastructures improve, the volume of traffic increases and the cycle repeats itself. Today, already 12% of Singapore’s land are used for roads, as compared to 14% for housing . If this continues, we will have a lot less land available for other purposes that ensures the nation’s livability. Recognizing the challenges, the idea of a cycling city has been brought up by planners as part of the movement towards a car-lite city. Urban cycling is not a new concept and has been embraced in many cities, for instance Copenhagen and Amsterdam. In contrast, Singapore’s response towards cycling as the main mode of transport has remained lukewarm, even though cycling itself presents opportunities for higher efficiency, a healthier lifestyle and a more pleasant place to stay. Using surveys, interviews, video mapping as well as reference to case studies, this thesis aims to understand what will make us switch to cycling, through understanding: 1. factors that influence the will to cycle, 2. the needs of cyclists and 3. their interactions with others as well as the environment along the journey. Through the analysis of these, this paper will identify the opportunities that can be presented by architecture and urban design to improve the relationship between cyclists and the city. These findings will then form the basis of an inter-town cycling connection that links the residential areas to Central Business District, which eventually offers cyclists a refreshing, healthier and more sustainable way of experiencing the city.