Park Connector Network Singapore
The Park Connector Network (PCN) was developed to create a matrix of
green connectors linking Singapore's parks, gardens, and nature
reserves. It aimed to increase residents' accessibility to nature and
greenery while promoting environmental stewardship. The PCN has
revolutionized commuting and recreation in Singapore, allowing
residents to cycle or walk through green corridors. It promotes a
healthier lifestyle, provides a refreshing commute to work, and
contributes to Singapore's goal of becoming a car-light city (Lee,
Zhan et al. 2020).
Created by Judah & Michael
Milestone
In the 1990s, Singapore introduced the concept of the Park Connector
Network (PCN) as part of its efforts to create a "City in a Garden".
The PCN Master Plan was completed in 1995, leading to the opening of
the first segment, Jurong PCN, in 1996. The development of the PCN
continued in the 2000s with initiatives such as the "Round Island
Route" project in 2011 and the completion of the Coast-to-Coast Trail
in 2017. Ongoing expansion and improvement efforts have been taking
place in the 2020s, making the PCN an essential component of
Singapore's urban landscape. Similarly, the North-South Corridor (NSC)
in Singapore began development in the 2010s with the announcement of
plans for the integrated transport corridor in 2013. Construction
works for the NSC have been progressing, with completion expected in
the mid-2020s. The Bukit Timah-Rochor Green Corridor,
is also undergoing the construction until this present day.
Tokyo, Japan
Although Tokyo has a developing cycling infrastructure and separate
bike lanes along its Copenhagen and Amsterdam counterparts, Tokyo
stands out as one of the cities that offers a challenging and unique
cycling experience due to its diverse urban landscape, which includes
highly urbanized areas, parks and urban forests, as well as
traditional residential neighborhoods. This provides a non-monotonous
and highly engaging cycling experience.
Copenhagen, Denmark
It boasts a comprehensive cycling infrastructure, including dedicated
bike lanes, cycle tracks, and bridges, which make cycling safe and
convenient for residents and visitors alike. The city's flat terrain
also contributes to its suitability for cycling, and its extensive
network of bike-sharing programs further promotes cycling as a primary
mode of transportation. Copenhagen can be considered an excellent city
for cycling, with a high bicycle mode share of over 36% of all trips,
and the city's strong commitment to becoming the "world's best bicycle
city" by 2025.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is widely regarded as one of the best cities in the world
for cycling. It has an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes and
paths, making it safe and convenient for cyclists to navigate the
city. The flat terrain also makes cycling easy and accessible for
people of all ages and abilities. They have a high rate of bicycle
ownership which is 1.9 per household. Additionally, Amsterdam has a
strong cycling culture, with a large portion of the population using
bicycles as their primary mode of transportation. Overall, Amsterdam
offers a highly bike-friendly environment, making it an excellent
place for cycling.