Singaporeans enjoy car-free Sunday after 4-year hiatus
Published on: Monday, March 18, 2024
By: Bernama
The public took the opportunity to ‘conquer’ Singapore’s streets on foot, by bicycle and rollerblade as early as 8am. (Reuters pic)
SINGAPORE: Singaporeans went to the streets today as some roads along Singapore’s civic district and central business district were closed to the traffic for today’s car-free Sunday which returns after a four-year hiatus.
The public took this opportunity to ‘conquer’ the streets in the designated areas including on St Andrew’s Road and the Esplanade Drive through various methods – on foot, bicycle, kick-scooters, rollerblade, and many more – as soon as the event started at 8am.
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Architect, Sze Chong, 64, said he cycled more than 12km from his home in Pasir Panjang to join today’s event, and enjoyed roaming freely on the streets without the presence of larger vehicles.
“I used to join this (car-free Sunday) in 2019 before they stopped due to the pandemic, so they’ve just restarted this again. It’s good to open the city area for families, and there are also a lot of programmes.
“I hope this event can be bigger. Now it’s only 4.5km for one loop,” he told Bernama, adding that he hoped car-free Sunday could be held more frequently in the future.
Meanwhile, Amy, 50, who came with her husband and 11-year-old daughter for some family bonding time said she looked forward for this event to be held at least once every few months.
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“It is a very good idea because we hardly get a chance to walk on these roads; today we get to cycle, skate, and there are many fun booths and activities for families,” she said.
The programme, organised by the Land Transport Authority, promotes Singapore’s car-lite goal by creating greater public awareness of the benefits of walking, cycling and riding public transport as sustainable ways to travel.
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It also encourages pedestrians and active mobility device users to adopt the right etiquette to share space safely and harmoniously.
Various games and activities were also held during the event such as piloxing mass workout, aeromodelling, parkour and korfball. Attractions such as Singapore Really Really Free Market (SRRFM) and booths also kept visitors busy as they strolled along.
SRRFM organiser Tien said despite today’s hot weather, the programme was a great opportunity to reach out to the public and keep the sharing and giving spirit alive.
“It’s a market where we don’t charge money. The most important thing is giving, sharing and caring for others.
“Anyone can join and give away their things and services for free. We have been doing this for about 14 years; today is a bit challenging with the weather but it was fun,” he said.
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