Going underground

UNTIL recently, the suggestion for an underground parking lot for bicycles - think basement carpark, but for pedal-powered two wheelers only - would have been met with bemusement in Singapore. But the mindset here is certainly changing.

Cycling is increasingly seen as a sensible mode of urban transport. More are taking to bicycles to get around this compact, car-filled city. At least three bike-sharing services have launched here in just the past year. And soon, cyclists will be able to enjoy the Republic's first fully-automated, underground bicycle-parking system.

Sited at Kampung Admiralty (a new "modern kampung" HDB housing concept for seniors), the system is a trial by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) to promote cycling as a way of life among Singapore residents.