We refer to the letter 'Bikes not safe on bus and train' by Mr Raymund Koh Joo Guan (my paper, July 8).
We wish to assure readers that we have considered the safety and comfort of all public transport commuters when undertaking programmes such as the foldable-bicycle trial.
The trial to allow foldable bicycles on trains and buses was launched by the Land Transport Authority (LTA), SMRT and SBS Transit in May this year.
It was an initiative to meet the transport needs of diverse groups of people, as announced during the Land Transport Review.
More people are cycling for fitness and recreation. They also cycle to commute within their neighbourhoods and to reach key transport nodes such as MRT stations.
Environmental considerations also motivate cyclists.
Prior to launching the trial, LTA heard the concerns of both cyclists and commuters during focus-group discussions and community dialogue sessions held to obtain public input.
Cyclists, public-transport commuters and bus and train operators took part in these sessions.
Consequently, we drew up guidelines for cyclists which now appear on posters on all buses, at bus interchanges and in MRT stations.
For example, cyclists are required to cover up protruding parts that could cause injury or dirty/damage property.
In addition, the trial restricts the carriage of bicycles on buses to weekends and public holidays due to space constraints.
If circumstances do not permit cyclists to take their bicycles on board, bus drivers and station staff will disallow those with foldable bicycles from boarding.
The trial for foldable bicycles on trains will last for six months, while the trial on buses will last for three months.
LTA and the transport operators welcome feedback from commuters and will continue to monitor the trial closely.
Mr Geoffrey Lim
Deputy Director
Media Relations
Land Transport Authority
