Oral answer by Ministry of National Development on segregation of selected stretches of the Park Connector Network (PCN) and how to encourage safe and considerate use of such paths for different users

Nov 13, 2024

6885. Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong: To ask the Minister for National Development in respect of NParks’ revised typology that segregates selected stretches of the Park Connector Network (PCN) into pedestrian-only paths and shared paths, whether NParks can consider the segregation of paths in a consistent manner and minimise frequent changes in the segregation of paths along similar stretches of PCN, including where the width of such paths have remained the same, so as to provide certainty and reduce confusion among users.

6886. Mr Dennis Tan Lip Fong: To ask the Minister for National Development in respect of NParks’ revised typology that segregates selected stretches of the Park Connector Network into pedestrian-only paths and shared paths, whether NParks can study how to encourage safe and considerate use of such paths for different users including those who are (i) on foot (ii) using strollers (iii) walking dogs (iv) using wheelchairs and (v) using different types of active mobility devices, and for users to keep left or give way, to minimise accidents and improve user experience.

Answer:

To enhance the user experience along our Park Connector Network (PCN), NParks started piloting a revised PCN typology that segregates selected stretches of the PCN into pedestrian-only paths and shared paths in 2022. NParks has consistently implemented this revised typology on continuous stretches of the PCN, taking into consideration factors such as the width of the path and the human traffic in the area.

As part of the revised typology, NParks has also implemented revised lane markings to enhance the user experience, and encourage safe and considerate use of the PCN. These include signs to remind users to keep left when using the park connectors, as well as markings that clearly indicate the different types of users allowed on each lane within the path, including pedestrians, cyclists, and users of personal mobility devices.

NParks works closely with the Land Transport Authority, the Friends of the PCN, and the community to promote safe and gracious use of our PCN, especially for park connectors with high usage and more frequent feedback on user conflicts. NParks has also collaborated with the Singapore Kindness Movement to raise public awareness on PCN etiquette through its Kindness Ambassadors.

In the next phase, NParks will roll out the revised PCN typology for more park connectors, incorporating the feedback received so far. Thereafter, NParks will engage stakeholders again and assess the feasibility to implement the revised typology for more park connectors.