MODULE 1: EQUIPMENT AND PRE-JOURNEY

Choosing a bicycle depends on several factors, the followingquestions will help you choose a bicycle that suits you best.

Types of BicyclesThe following are some basic bicycle styles to choose from, andthe accompanying descriptions should help you discover whichtype of bicycle is suitable for you.

How often do you plan to ride?

Will you use your bicycle for commuting,recreation or sport?

Will you ride mainly on flat roads or rough terrain?

Will you be riding on long rides or short rides?Weight

Type of Use

Terrain

City bicycles are designed for urban commuting. The bicyclehandlebar design allows for a comfortable upright riding positionand the bicycle frame has a step-through top tube, which allowsfor easy mounting and dismounting.

City Bicycles

Road bicycles are sleek and light, with smooth and thin tyres. Thebicycle is designed such that you will ride in a forward leaningposition. Road bicycles appeal more to serious and avid cyclists forthe purposes of sport and long distance on-road riding.

Road Bicycles

Frequency

TYPES OF BICYCLES

Choosing Your Bicycle

MODULE 1

With a thicker frame, rough tyres, and occasionally with asuspension system, the mountain bike is built for riding throughrougher and undulating terrains. The larger and wider tyres arewell-suited to handle rough roads, however they slow you downwhen travelling over long distances making it slightly less efficientfor urban commuting.

Mountain Bicycles

Hybrid bicycles have similar bicycle frames as mountain bicyclesbut have thinner tyres. The flat-styled handlebars provides riderswith an upright sitting position. Hybrid bicycles are very suitable forurban riding and commuting.

Hybrid Bicycles

Track Bicycles do not have gears or brakes and require constantpedaling for movement. Resistance has to be applied on the pedalsin order to slow down or stop the bicycle. Using Track Bicyclesrequires a lot of skill and mental alertness and hence it is NOTrecommended for beginners.

Track Bicycles / Fixies

TYPES OF BICYCLESMODULE 1

All articles, including Foldable Bicycles and PMDs, that do not

exceed 120cm by 70cm by 40cm can be brought onboard ontrains and buses at all times, all day.

A maximum of 1 foldable bicycle/PMD is allowed at any onetime on a bus.

Dirty/wet bicycles wheels and protruding parts which can causeinjury, dirty or damage property are to be covered up.

Folded bicycles should NOT block the aisles or the doors inpublic transport which will obstruct passengers.

Folded bicycles should NOT be left unattended at all times.

Folded bicycles should be carried in an upright position.

Cyclists with folded bicycles should use the first or last MRTcarriage as it is less crowded and use lifts or wide fare gates atMRT/LRT stations when available.

Foldable bicycles are NOT allowed on upper deck of buses andare NOT allowed to be placed on stairs leading to bus’ upperdeck.

Foldable bicycles can be foldedinto compact sizes and can beeasily carried onto public busesand trains. They are very usefulfor first-mile and last-milecommutes to and from publictransport hubs.

Foldable bicycles on the MRT Should not Exceed the following Measurements

120cm (Actual Size)

70

cm (A

ctual Size)

Foldable Bicycles

Guidelines for Foldable Bicycles on Public Transport When at bus stops or MRT stations, or when on buses or

trains, Foldable Bicycles are to be folded at all times. When

folded, they should not exceed 120cm by 70cm by 40cm.

:

TYPES OF BICYCLESMODULE 1

Electric/Power-assisted bicycles must have a frameor construct similar to that of a conventionalbicycle.

Electric/Power-assisted bicycle users must pedal tostart the motor.

Electric/power-assisted bicycles must NOT havestart-up assistance features or a throttle.

Electric/power-assisted bicycles must have EN15194 markings to show that it complies with theEuropean Standard.

Motor power output of electric/power-assistedbicycles must be progressively reduced and finally

cut off as the bicycle reaches 25km/h, or sooner, ifthe cyclist stops pedaling.

Maximum power output rating of theelectric/power-assisted bicycle’s motor must not

exceed 250W.

Electric/power-assisted bicycles must be affixedwith LTA seal of approval.

Electric/power-assisted bicycles have to beregistered.EN 15194

marking

LTA seal of approval

No start-up assistance features or throttle

Electric bicycles have an integrated electric motor which can assistyou in pedaling.

Electric/Power-Assisted Bicycles Guidelines for Electric/Power-Assisted Bicycles

For more information, please visit the following LTA web-link: http://www.lta.gov.sg/data/apps/news/press/2015/20151119_Details_of_technical_requirements_AnnexA.pdf

TYPES OF BICYCLESMODULE 1

Having a proper bicycle fit makes your ride comfortable andchoosing an appropriately sized bicycle will allow you tomount/dismount safely.

Well positioned saddle

Saddle tilted highSaddle tilted low

Choose a bicycle frame with its handlebar at a comfortabledistance away from you to reduce any neck, shoulder, back andhand pain.

Higher handlebars give a more upright seating position while lowerhandlebars give a forward riding position. A relatively uprightposition is recommended for a more comfortable ride.

The angle of your bicyclesaddle should be adjustedto your own comfort. Youshould NOT tilt the saddletoo high or low as it maycause numbness or injury.

Adjust the height of yourbicycle saddle such thatthere will be a slight bendat the knee of yourextended leg (about 20degrees) when your foot ison the pedal at its lowestposition.

Slight bend at the knee of your extended leg

Relatively upright seating position

Saddle Height/Position

Handlebar Height/Distance

BASIC BICYCLE FITMODULE 1

Standard Part

Accessory

Rim

Tire

Hub

Fork

Handle Bar

Pedal

Frame

Chain RingTire

Valve

Seat PostSaddle

Brake Lever

Chain

Spoke

Front Light

Basket

Chain Guard

Mud Guard

Rear Rack

Rear Light

Bell

Bicycle Security Label

Brake Pads

Brake Pads

PARTS OF A BICYCLEMODULE 1

1 Road Traffic Act (Chapter 276, Section 140)

The following items are some bicycle accessories which you canequip your bicycle with.

Lights

Bicycles must be equippedwith front White lights andrear Red lights1 which shouldbe switched on when riding atnight or when it is dark.

Rear RedLights

Front WhiteLights

Storage Accessories

Rear racks, panniers and front baskets are useful storageaccessories for cyclists.

All loads should be properly secured and should NOT obstruct yourfront and rear lights. Attached loads should NOT affect yoursteering ability or cause danger to other path/road users.

Rear Rack Pannier Front Basket

Bicycle Bell

Ring your bicycle bell once to inform otherusers of your presence early.

Do NOT ring the bell excessively as it can causeannoyance to other path users.

Bicycle Bell

Mud/Chain Guard

Mud guards and chain guardshelp to keep your legs and pantsclean during your ride

Chain GuardMud Guard

Water Bottle Cage

It is essential to keep yourself hydrated duringyour ride. A water bottle cage helps cyclists toproperly secure their water bottle.

Water Bottle Cage

Child Carriers

Child carriers should be securely fastened tothe bicycle frame, without obstructing thecyclist’s view.

Child carriers should come with a footrest forthe child’s feet and be fitted with a safetyharness or belt to secure the child to the seat.

Child Carrier

ACCESSORIESMODULE 1

Properly Aligned Brake Pads

Tire Grooves are clearly visible

Tire Grooves are NOT visible

Brakes Wheels/tyres

Lights Frame and Parts

Parts to check before riding

Frame and Parts

All parts of your bicycle, including accessories, should NOT be damaged(i.e. cracked, chipped) and are in working condition.

Tighten the bolts and levers which secure parts of your bicycle together,before your ride.

Your bicycle chain should NOT be loose or broken.

BrakesLights

Wheels/tyres

Squeeze your brake levers to checkif the brakes are working properly.

Properly aligned brakes pads shouldbe touching the rim, NOT the tyres.The brake pads should NOT beworn out.

Broken bicycle chain

Undamaged bicycle chain

Check that your wheels are properly inflated (hard tosqueeze).

There should be NO visible cracks or tears on the tirerubber, and your tire grooves should be clearly visible.

Brake Pads

Badly Aligned Brake Pads

PRE-RIDE DEVICE CHECK

Ensure that you have working frontWhite lights and rear Red lightswhen riding at night.

MODULE 1

Wearing a helmet may help you prevent serious headinjuries.

Your helmet, when secured on your head, should fit youproperly to protect your head from serious injuries. Itshould not go too ‘high up’ or ‘down low’ your forehead.

Wear a helmet that fits your head and sits securely

Do NOT use a cracked/damaged helmet. If your helmet iscracked/damaged, replace it with a new one.

You should replace the helmet you wore after any accidentas it may have damages that are not visible to the eye.

It is recommended that you choose a helmet that isapproved by recognized testing standards. Here is a list ofsome helmet safety specifications to look out for whenpurchasing a helmet:

• Snell Memorial Foundation • CPSC • EN1078 • American National Standard Institute• ANSA Z-90.4 • ASTM (shatter-tests do not extend to visors)

Wear bright coloured, fluorescent or reflective clothing toincrease your visibility to other users, especially whenriding in the night.

Bright Coloured, Fluorescent Clothing

Reflective Clothing

Reflective Tape

PRE-RIDE GEAR CHECKMODULE 1

Do NOT wear loose clothing (e.g. baggy pants) as they mayget caught in the bicycle chain or the wheels.

If necessary, use an elastic band to fasten your looseclothing or to knot and clip them up.

When it is raining, cyclists are recommended to wear rainjackets and NOT ponchos, as ponchos may get caught inthe bicycle chain or the wheels. riding in bad weather ishighly discouraged and it is recommended that you seekshelter during wet weather conditions.

Wear closed-toed footwear (e.g. sports shoes) to have astable footing and to protect your feet.

Secure your shoelaces properly to prevent them fromgetting caught in the bicycle chain or the wheels.

It is good practice to carry vital personal information onyourself in the form of a In Case of Emergency (ICE) cardor ID tag, as it may be required during an emergency.

The vital information should include:• Name• NRIC• Blood Group• Emergency Contact Number• Drug Allergies (If any)

Sample ‘ICE’ Card

Poncho Rain jacket

PRE-RIDE GEAR CHECKMODULE 1

With good connectivity between paths together with a beautifuland safe environment, Singapore is a very conducive place forriding.

If you are considering to ride longer distances and to explorenew areas, you should first plan your route before your ride.Various resources as listed below will help you in planning yourroutes:

Online Resources Google Maps (maps.google.com.sg) Onemap (www.onemap.sg) LTA website (www.lta.gov.sg) My LTA Transport

(https://www.mytransport.sg/content/mytransport/home/cycling

.html) NParks website (www.nparks.gov.sg) Online Street Directory (www.streetdirectory.com.sg) Online Route Planning websites Mobile Applications

Physical Maps Print-outs of online maps Maps found at tourist visitor centres or the airport Singapore Street Directory

Here are some tips on proper route planning:

Avoid routes with roadworks and accidents.

Choose a route that uses more Park Connector Networksor cycling paths.

For on-road cyclists, avoid planning routes that includeroads with fast-moving vehicles. riding on Expressways or

in tunnels is strictly prohibited.

Locate shelters along your route in case it rains or if youneed to rest.

Highlight and identify checkpoints/landmarks along yourroute to guide yourself.

Be flexible! The most direct route may not always be thesafest route.

ROUTE PLANNINGMODULE 1

Example of a Recommended Route: Central Business District Route

Route Checkpoints

A. Lavender MRT StationB. Youth Olympic parkC. Esplanade ParkD. Merlion ParkE. The Promontory @ Marina BayF. Marina Barrage

Route Distance

A B: 3.6km D E: 0.9kmB C: 1.1km E F: 2.7kmC D: 0.7km

Total Distance: 15.5km

Lavender

Bugis

Esplanade

Promenade

Bayfront

Gardens by the Bay

Marina Golf Course

Legend

MRT Station

Recommended Route

Benefits of selected route

Flexible route with alternate safe paths for riding are available.

Various checkpoints and sheltered places along the riding route for cyclists to rest and recharge.

Straight and easily identifiable route with minimal junctions.

Difficulty Level: Medium

ROUTE PLANNINGMODULE 1

Park Connector Network and Cycling Path NetworkAll over Singapore, there are various Park Connector Networks(PCN) and Cycling Path Networks(CPN) which provides proper cycling pathsfor you to ride on and also have access to the beautiful parks of Singapore. There are featured routes within some of these PCN paths foryou to explore together with family and friends.

For more information, visit http://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltaweb/en/walk-cycle-ride/integrating-cycling-with-public-transport/cycling-paths.html and https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/park-connector-network.

Punggol

Sembawang

Yishun

Woodlands

Chua Chu Kang

Bukit Panjang

JurongLake

Taman Jurong

Bishan

Toa Payoh

Marina Bay

Bedok

Tampines

Changi-Simei

Pasir Ris

Ang Mo Kio

Source: www.ura.gov.sg

Park Connector

riding Route

Round Island Route (Under Construction)

Legend

On-Going Cycling Town

Completed Cycling Town

Model Cycling Town

Future Cycling Town

ROUTE PLANNINGMODULE 1

Example of a Park Connector Network: North Eastern Riverine Loop

Source: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/park-connector-network

ROUTE PLANNINGMODULE 1

Example of a Park Connector Network: Northern Explorer Loop

Source: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/park-connector-network

ROUTE PLANNINGMODULE 1

Example of a Cycling Path Network – Yishun

Source: http://www.lta.gov.sg/content/ltaweb/en/green-transport/integrating-cycling-with-public-transport/cycling-paths.html

ROUTE PLANNINGMODULE 1

Example of a Cycling Path Network – Ang Mo Kio

https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/dam/ltaweb/corp/GreenTransport/2016/AMK%20Cycling%20Map.jpg

ROUTE PLANNINGMODULE 1

Do NOT park your bicycles at non-designated bicycle parking areas as they are not secure and may obstruct pedestrian movementand cause inconvenience.

Bicycles parked by trees Bicycles parked along the pathway

Bicycles parked at fences Bicycles parked at lampposts

Bicycle parking racks are provided in public housing estates, MRT stations, bus interchanges and parks. Cyclists are encouraged topark responsibly by parking at these sturdy and secure designated bicycle parking locations.

Single-tier bicycle rack Double-tier bicycle rack

BICYCLE PARKINGMODULE 1

Bicycle Locks

Use a strong lock to secure your bicycle. Use multiple lockingsystems to secure different parts of your bicycle.

How to Secure Your Bicycle Properly

Avoid securing only yourfront wheel to the bicyclerack as the bicycle frameand back wheel can beeasily removed.

Here are some tips to secure your bicycle properly and preventbicycle theft.

Cable Lock Padlock and Chain

U-Lock/D-Lock

Bicycle Security Label

Bicycle security labels come with aunique serial number which helpsyou and the Police to identify yourbicycle. They can be picked up fromNeighbourhood Police Centres.

Paste your bicycle security labels onyour bicycle frame, as shown on theright.

Weakest Strongest

Use 2 locks to properlysecure the front wheel,back wheel and bicycleframe to the bicyclerack.

BICYCLE SECURITY AND STORAGEMODULE 1

Basic monthly bicycle maintenance should be done to help keep your bicycle in proper riding condition. To maintain your bicycle, youwill require the following tools.

Types of Bicycle Maintenance Tools

Cleaning Rag/ClothLubricant and

Degreaser

Old Brush/Toothbrush

BICYCLE CHAIN CLEANING TOOLS

Used for:

Cleaning your bicycle chain

Cleaning your bicycle gears

Oiling your bicycle chain

PUNCTURE REPAIR KIT

Spare Inner Tube

GlueBicycle Hand Pump

Bicycle Tire PatchMetal

Rasp/Sandpaper

Tire Levers

Used for: Flat tyres Punctured tyres

BICYCLE MAINTENANCE TOOLSMODULE 1

link

What equipment is required: Bicycle Pump

What you need to do:Find the intended air pressure range for each tire which can beusually found printed on the smooth side of the tire. Use a bicyclepump to inflate the tire to its recommended tire pressure or till it isfirm (hard to squeeze).

If the tire deflates and goes flat quickly or in a short amount oftime after you have inflated it, your tire may be punctured. Visit thebicycle shop to have your tyres replaced.

Listed below are some common bicycle maintenance scenariosthat every cyclist will face:

Flat tyres

Flat tyres

Dropped Bicycle Chain

Punctured tyres

Cleaning your Bicycle Chain

INDICATED TIRE PRESSURE

Dropped Bicycle Chain

Turn your bicycle upsidedown.

What equipment is required: No equipment needed

What you need to do:

Crank the pedal backwards torealign the chain.

Place dropped bicycle chainback over the front chainwheel and rear gears.

Fix your dropped bicycle chain byfollowing the steps below.

If your bicycle chain drops frequently, it may be an indication thatyour bicycle chain is too loose or is faulty. Visit the bicycle shop fora service check on your bicycle.

BICYCLE MAINTENANCE SCENARIOSMODULE 1

What equipment is required: Puncture Repair KitWhat you need to do: Replace your tyres as soon as possible for a safer ride. You can patch your tyres by following the steps

below.

Punctured tyres

Locate and detachthe bicycle wheel.

BICYCLE MAINTENANCE SCENARIOS

Insert the tire lever between the tire andrim and, lift off the tire. After hooking thetire lever to the wheel spoke, repeat theprocess with a second tire lever till thewhole tire is removed.

Remove the dustcap from the tirevalve and let theremaining air out.

Take out theinner tube fromwithin the tire

D

Carefully feel the tire to findthe cause of the punctureand remove it. Be careful ofsharp objects.

Inflate the inner tube andpass its surface over yourfingers to feel for airleaking from the puncture.

Sand the puncturewith a metal rasp

Apply glue ontothe puncture area.

Place the tire patch justbefore the glue dries out.

Insert the inner tubeback into the tire.

Knead the tyres back into position.Do NOT use any tools as they mayre-puncture your tire.

Using your hand pump, re-inflate thetyres back to its desired tire pressure.

MODULE 1

Lift your rear bicycle wheel and crank the pedal backwards tolet the chain run. Run the chain through a clean rag multipletimes to remove the grease and grime

Cleaning Your Bicycle ChainWhat equipment is required: Lubricant, Degreaser, Cleaning Rags, Old Toothbrush/BrushWhat you need to do: Clean your bicycle chain and gears by following the steps below.

Use a brush to brush the bicycle cogs and gears toremove any mud/grime

Apply lubricant onto the chain while running the chain

Apply degreaser onto your chain and allow it to restfor 2-3 minutes

BICYCLE MAINTENANCE SCENARIOSMODULE 1

To have a comfortable and safe ride, you should send your bicycle for servicing at least once a year to ensure that your bicycle is in primecondition. When your bicycle starts to show these following symptoms, you should visit the bicycle service shop to service your bicycle.

Wobbles up and down

Wobbles side to side

Faulty BrakesPulled brakes levers which show little to no resistance means that they will provide little braking power. Brake pads may get stuck to thewheel rim after braking too. Faulty brakes are likely caused by loose or damaged brake cables, or loose bolts on the brake caliper arm.

Misalignment of Bicycle WheelsProperly aligned bicycle wheels should not wobble from side toside or up and down. Visit the bicycle service shop to realign yourwheels if you notice your bicycle wheels are wobbling side to sideor up and down.

To determine whether your bicycle wheel is aligned, spin andobserve your wheel’s rotation while using the brake pads as areference point.

BICYCLE SERVICINGMODULE 1