Oral Answer by Ministry of National Development on safe and orderly use of park connectors
Aug 6, 2019
Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong: To ask the Minister for National Development in respect of paths on the Park Connector Network where one side of the path is marked "PCN" and the adjacent side has a sign of a person walking (a) whether cyclists or PMD riders are required to keep to the part marked "PCN"; (b) whether those who are on foot are required to keep to the side with the sign of a person walking; and (c) what are the measures taken to monitor and ensure safe usage of such paths by all users.
Answer:
Park connectors or PCNs are shared paths meant for all users. The lane markings that the Member speaks about are part of a pilot project, started by NParks in 2018, to try to guide slower pedestrians away from faster bicycles, personal mobility devices, and so on. This pilot was tried out on 30 kilometres of Park Connector Network out of an entire network of some 330 kilometres, so less than 10 per cent, were taken in as part of this pilot.
For the lane on the left marked with the ‘pedestrian’ sign, the intent was for this to be used primarily by pedestrians and other people who are moving more slowly, for example on wheelchairs or assisted mobility devices. For the lane on the right marked with ‘PCN’, the intent was for this to be used primarily by faster traffic, such as bicycles, personal mobility devices, and other mobility devices.
During the pilot period, NParks had carried out public outreach along these stretches. For instance, NParks officers go on site to educate PCN users on how to use the PCN safely. NParks has also put up physical banners and standees to promote responsible track etiquette. For hotspot areas, NParks works with LTA to conduct joint enforcement efforts against errant PCN users who exceed speed limits or ride recklessly. In addition, NParks has also been encouraging a “Keep Left” etiquette on our PCNs, where slower users should keep left, while faster users overtake on the right.
In areas where there is sufficient space, and here I am talking about sufficient width of the PCN, NParks will work towards having physically separated paths for the different user groups. To further ensure the safe usage of the PCNs, NParks will continue to introduce safety measures such as additional lighting, speed regulating strips, and advisory signs at high usage areas. NParks will also continue to work with LTA and the community to promote the safe and orderly use of our PCNs.