Building plans to take in needs of pedestrians, cyclists from July

Developers will soon be required to build facilities such as bicycle parking, shower rooms and lockers, as the Government moves to make cycling and walking more attractive transport options, reported The Straits Times. 

From July, developers will have to factor in the safety, convenience and accessibility of pedestrians and cyclists into their designs. Apart from cycling facilities, developers will also have to locate vehicular routes away from those used by pedestrians and cyclists, for safety. 

The changes were announced yesterday by the Land Transport Authority and Urban Redevelopment Authority. They are part of the Government's latest push to make active mobility modes - such as bicycles and electric scooters - more viable transport options. The Walking and Cycling Plan (WCP) that developers will have to submit will help create a safer, more accessible and people-friendly environment, the two agencies said in a joint statement.

The changes will apply first to commercial developments, such as shopping complexes, offices, business parks and schools, where high pedestrian and cyclist traffic is expected. In a circular to industry players yesterday, the two agencies said the plans will apply to new developments, as well as major redevelopments of existing buildings. The WCP was announced last month during the Budget debates in Parliament, and is part of measures to help Singapore go car-lite.