Car Free Sunday [February 2017 Edition]
The next Car Free Sunday is coming up THIS SUNDAY! Yes! Mark your calendar for it on 26th February 2017 because it is so awesome, you wouldn't regret it. Furthermore, this Sunday's event will make for a sweeter note because members of the public who participate in the “Safe Riders Sunday” activities on 26 February will stand a chance to win a Swifty Scooter worth $699 when they upload their photos on Facebook or Instagram with a caption on how they #RideSafer!
Car-Free Sunday SG turns part of our city into a pedestrian and cyclist friendly precinct and creates a 5.5 km route of closed roads in the heart of the city. It is part of the larger movement towards a car-lite Singapore!
As daddy wasn't in town, I braved my solo-parent status and gave this event a shot! It was wonderful to have the roads around us all closed because I could let my children run freely without having much to worry. Not only was it Car-Free, it was Carefree!
Starting from this month’s edition of Car-Free Sunday SG participants will be able to enjoy the full 5.5km car-free route from 0800 to 1200 hours! Previously, it was only until 1100 hours. There will be a different programme at every Car-Free Sunday SG event [every last Sunday of the month] and here's sharing some of February's highlights that you'd be excited to know!
FEBRUARY'S HIGHLIGHTS
ONE
PADANG
The popular trishaw service will be back again this Sunday. Initiated to enable those who are less mobile, particularly the elderly, to experience and take in the sights of our car-free Civic District, the service will feature six trishaws offering rides by volunteers, including cycling group Team Cycledelic and members of the public.
I chose to operate the trishaw personally to ferry Ewan and Faye in the last Car Free Sunday event we went. Frankly speaking, I wasn't sure if I will be up to this because I have never rode a trishaw before! Yes, rode as a passenger but never the rider. Thankfully, the team assured me that they will chaperone us for that 15-minute round-the-Padang route in case I give up halfway. Well, proud to say, I cycled us three from start to end. *hahah*
Participants can register for the trishaw service between 8am and 11am on Sunday at the trishaw booth in front of National Gallery Singapore, along St Andrew’s Road. Each registration is for a 15-minute block around the Civic District Loop, and on a first-come, first-served basis. Very popular! So go for this first thing in the morning!
For the first time, there will also be free bicycle rentals by bike share companies - Mobike, O Bikes and OFO Bicycle, on a first-come, first-served basis. Each company will be offering 10 to 15 bicycles for free rental in 30-minute blocks. Go early to get your hands on a free ride!
When we attended January's Car Free Sunday event, bicycles were on rental and Faye was stoked to find little bikes her size!
TWO
PADANG
ActiveSG Kids Imagination Playground at Connaught Drive will be there this February as well! We visited the site in our last visit and had so much fun exploring and inventing our own playgrounds with blue giant building blocks. There were Tennis clinics for children and adults, basketball, frisbee games, dodge ball sessions and even a bouncy castle!
A family could easily spend an hour at this area if they are the outdoorsy type. Free of charge!
THREE
PADANG
Do check out Ecorider too when you are there! It is situated along the road where National Gallery sits, right outside St Andrew's Cathedral. Although it costs S$10 for a 15 minute ride, I would pay again to watch Ewan grin from ear to ear!
I don't know what these vehicles are called. Mmm a two-wheeled balance control system? Oh whatever it is called, my son had fun on it and I had fun chasing after him.
FOUR [new]
PADANG
Volvo Trucks Singapore will be featuring its “See and Be Seen” truck installation to engage and educate the public on road safety around heavy vehicles. The installation will give the public a chance to experience first-hand the limited field of view a truck driver faces, and how they can play a part as pedestrians to avoid accidents.
I think this would be a wonderful opportunity for truck-loving families to touch, feel and see a monstrous truck first-hand! Not to mention imparting important safety rules on how to be a responsible pedestrian.
FIVE [new]
PADANG
A “Safe Riding Programme” obstacle course will be set up for participants to experience a series of simulated path scenarios, such as shared tracks, bus stops and blind spots, and learn safe riding tips from trainers from LTA, Big Wheel Scooters SG and Wheelies.
Participants will get ‘hands-on’ practice in bike/ device handling and navigation of typical ‘conflict area’ scenarios; such as bus stops and zebra crossings. The 90-minute programme comprises of a short theory session followed by practice in device handling and navigating common path scenarios within an integrated circuit.
Participants should be above 13 years of age and already able to ride their bicycle/PMD. Bicycles/PMDs and helmets will be provided. Register your attendance here.
SIX [new]
PADANG
“iWheel4Fun”, an initiative by SCC Travel Services, involves taking participants on a Heritage Trail through the historical landmarks in the Civic District, including the Cenotaph, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum and the National Gallery Singapore on PMDs. In addition to providing a unique active mobility experience, participants will have the opportunity to practise the safe riding habits learnt at the start of the trail. PMD enthusiasts can also participate in team sports such as Netball, Captain’s Ball and Frisbee using electric unicycles. It takes 45 minutes for this tour and if you've got the time to spare, you will be brought back in time to old Singapore on electric scooters!
Participants should be above 12 years of age. If you bring your own electric scooters, the tour costs S$7 per person. Otherwise, it will be S$12 with e-scooters provided.
Register your Heritage Tour here.
SEVEN [new]
TELOK AYER CONSERVATION AREA
Soak in the sights and sounds of this rich heritage area in a car-free environment. An entertaining puppet show by the Geyi Puppet Troupe will debut at Car-Free Sunday SG. Located at Telok Ayer Square (opposite Thian Hock Keng), there will be two performances at 9.10am and 10.10am.
Over at Amoy Street, visitors can learn about old streets in the Telok Ayer conservation area through a series of heritage visuals. The public can also continue to enjoy breakfast in cafés that will be opening earlier from 8am, participate in the regular guided tours around Telok Ayer, relish the musical performances by buskers, as well as perform on the open microphone stage that will further enliven the Telok Ayer conservation area.
While it is the Puppets this month, we were treated to a lion dance performance last month in lieu of the Chinese New Year celebrations! It wasn't just a performance. We got to try our hands on the drums and had the opportunity to go behind the lion heads as well! It was a considerately thought through programme which included a smaller lion head for children to play with as well.
HOW TO GET THERE
The purpose of this event is to promote a car-lite Singapore. Naturally, participants are encouraged to take public transport or cycle to the event venue. I wanted to reach there first thing in the morning at 0800 hours and chose to ride in a taxi instead.
While many roads are closed, you can opt to have your driver drop you behind National Gallery at Supreme Court Lane [click to enlarge map]. That will put you with the shortest walk to the Trishaw Registration Booth.
We took the train from Raffles City to Telok Ayer. It is a short walk from the train station to the heart of Telok Ayer. Thanks to Life's Tiny Miracles who joined us in the public transport commute from Padang to Telok Ayer, I didn't have to carry Faye all the way! They loaned us their pram *smiles*.
As daddy wasn't in town, I braved my solo-parent status and gave this event a shot! It was wonderful to have the roads around us all closed because I could let my children run freely without having much to worry. Not only was it Car-Free, it was Carefree!
Starting from this month’s edition of Car-Free Sunday SG participants will be able to enjoy the full 5.5km car-free route from 0800 to 1200 hours! Previously, it was only until 1100 hours. There will be a different programme at every Car-Free Sunday SG event [every last Sunday of the month] and here's sharing some of February's highlights that you'd be excited to know!
FEBRUARY'S HIGHLIGHTS
ONE
PADANG
The popular trishaw service will be back again this Sunday. Initiated to enable those who are less mobile, particularly the elderly, to experience and take in the sights of our car-free Civic District, the service will feature six trishaws offering rides by volunteers, including cycling group Team Cycledelic and members of the public.
I chose to operate the trishaw personally to ferry Ewan and Faye in the last Car Free Sunday event we went. Frankly speaking, I wasn't sure if I will be up to this because I have never rode a trishaw before! Yes, rode as a passenger but never the rider. Thankfully, the team assured me that they will chaperone us for that 15-minute round-the-Padang route in case I give up halfway. Well, proud to say, I cycled us three from start to end. *hahah*
Participants can register for the trishaw service between 8am and 11am on Sunday at the trishaw booth in front of National Gallery Singapore, along St Andrew’s Road. Each registration is for a 15-minute block around the Civic District Loop, and on a first-come, first-served basis. Very popular! So go for this first thing in the morning!
For the first time, there will also be free bicycle rentals by bike share companies - Mobike, O Bikes and OFO Bicycle, on a first-come, first-served basis. Each company will be offering 10 to 15 bicycles for free rental in 30-minute blocks. Go early to get your hands on a free ride!
When we attended January's Car Free Sunday event, bicycles were on rental and Faye was stoked to find little bikes her size!
TWO
PADANG
ActiveSG Kids Imagination Playground at Connaught Drive will be there this February as well! We visited the site in our last visit and had so much fun exploring and inventing our own playgrounds with blue giant building blocks. There were Tennis clinics for children and adults, basketball, frisbee games, dodge ball sessions and even a bouncy castle!
A family could easily spend an hour at this area if they are the outdoorsy type. Free of charge!
THREE
PADANG
Do check out Ecorider too when you are there! It is situated along the road where National Gallery sits, right outside St Andrew's Cathedral. Although it costs S$10 for a 15 minute ride, I would pay again to watch Ewan grin from ear to ear!
I don't know what these vehicles are called. Mmm a two-wheeled balance control system? Oh whatever it is called, my son had fun on it and I had fun chasing after him.
FOUR [new]
PADANG
Volvo Trucks Singapore will be featuring its “See and Be Seen” truck installation to engage and educate the public on road safety around heavy vehicles. The installation will give the public a chance to experience first-hand the limited field of view a truck driver faces, and how they can play a part as pedestrians to avoid accidents.
I think this would be a wonderful opportunity for truck-loving families to touch, feel and see a monstrous truck first-hand! Not to mention imparting important safety rules on how to be a responsible pedestrian.
FIVE [new]
PADANG
A “Safe Riding Programme” obstacle course will be set up for participants to experience a series of simulated path scenarios, such as shared tracks, bus stops and blind spots, and learn safe riding tips from trainers from LTA, Big Wheel Scooters SG and Wheelies.
Participants will get ‘hands-on’ practice in bike/ device handling and navigation of typical ‘conflict area’ scenarios; such as bus stops and zebra crossings. The 90-minute programme comprises of a short theory session followed by practice in device handling and navigating common path scenarios within an integrated circuit.
Participants should be above 13 years of age and already able to ride their bicycle/PMD. Bicycles/PMDs and helmets will be provided. Register your attendance here.
SIX [new]
PADANG
“iWheel4Fun”, an initiative by SCC Travel Services, involves taking participants on a Heritage Trail through the historical landmarks in the Civic District, including the Cenotaph, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum and the National Gallery Singapore on PMDs. In addition to providing a unique active mobility experience, participants will have the opportunity to practise the safe riding habits learnt at the start of the trail. PMD enthusiasts can also participate in team sports such as Netball, Captain’s Ball and Frisbee using electric unicycles. It takes 45 minutes for this tour and if you've got the time to spare, you will be brought back in time to old Singapore on electric scooters!
Participants should be above 12 years of age. If you bring your own electric scooters, the tour costs S$7 per person. Otherwise, it will be S$12 with e-scooters provided.
Register your Heritage Tour here.
SEVEN [new]
TELOK AYER CONSERVATION AREA
Soak in the sights and sounds of this rich heritage area in a car-free environment. An entertaining puppet show by the Geyi Puppet Troupe will debut at Car-Free Sunday SG. Located at Telok Ayer Square (opposite Thian Hock Keng), there will be two performances at 9.10am and 10.10am.
Over at Amoy Street, visitors can learn about old streets in the Telok Ayer conservation area through a series of heritage visuals. The public can also continue to enjoy breakfast in cafés that will be opening earlier from 8am, participate in the regular guided tours around Telok Ayer, relish the musical performances by buskers, as well as perform on the open microphone stage that will further enliven the Telok Ayer conservation area.
While it is the Puppets this month, we were treated to a lion dance performance last month in lieu of the Chinese New Year celebrations! It wasn't just a performance. We got to try our hands on the drums and had the opportunity to go behind the lion heads as well! It was a considerately thought through programme which included a smaller lion head for children to play with as well.
HOW TO GET THERE
The purpose of this event is to promote a car-lite Singapore. Naturally, participants are encouraged to take public transport or cycle to the event venue. I wanted to reach there first thing in the morning at 0800 hours and chose to ride in a taxi instead.
While many roads are closed, you can opt to have your driver drop you behind National Gallery at Supreme Court Lane [click to enlarge map]. That will put you with the shortest walk to the Trishaw Registration Booth.
We took the train from Raffles City to Telok Ayer. It is a short walk from the train station to the heart of Telok Ayer. Thanks to Life's Tiny Miracles who joined us in the public transport commute from Padang to Telok Ayer, I didn't have to carry Faye all the way! They loaned us their pram *smiles*.
If you've already got plans this Sunday morning and would really like to be part of this, do not fret. They've got this going every last Sunday of each month!
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