Dec 14, 2020

Bringing a compact foldable bike onto public transport

Amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, more people have picked up cycling as a form of exercise or alternative mode of transport. There is a noticeable increase in the number of cyclists on the road. More people have chosen to commute on bikes. However, there are also commuters who love the ‘best of both worlds’: commuting via both public transport and bikes.
Commuting on both public transport and bikes is possible when you own a foldable bike. Foldable bikes are compact which makes it easy to store at home. Being compact also meant that the bike is portable. Foldable bikes are definitely lighter than other bikes. It is hassle-free bringing a foldable bike into public transport.
If you are looking for a foldable bike that is small, compact, and portable, you can go for the CarryMe. Weighing at only 8.4kg, it is the world’s lightest foldable bike. Its compact size makes it a popular choice for bringing the bike onto public transport and for daily commuting. Read on to find out the rules and some tips on bringing a foldable bike onto public transport.

Land Transport Authority (LTA) approval on bringing foldable bicycles on public transport

Since 1 June 2017, commuters are allowed to bring foldable bikes on board public transport at any time of the day. This initiative was actually rooted and pushed forward by Mighty Velo (MV). Back in 2006, Mighty Velo proposed to the Ministry of Transport in letting LTA consider allowing foldable bikes on public transport. The whole process took about 18 months. In the beginning, foldable bikes were only allowed on public transport during non-peak hours.
Subsequently, foldable bikes were allowed on board trains and buses all hours of the day. This initiative was supported by many as it provided daily commuters more options for their first and last-mile commute. After a successful six-month trial, the initiative was made permanent and commuters are now allowed to bring their foldable bikes on board public transport with them.

Rules on bringing a foldable bike onto public transport

Here are some rules set by LTA on bringing your foldable bike onto public transport.

The maximum size for foldable bicycles is 120cm (L) by 70cm (H) by 40cm (W) when folded.
Foldable bicycles must be folded at all times in MRT and LRT stations, bus interchanges and terminals, and on trains and buses.
No riding of foldable bicycles is allowed in MRT and LRT stations, bus interchanges and terminals. Commuters should roll, push or carry their folded bicycle.
Foldable bicycles’ wheels must be wrapped if they are dirty or wet.
Protruding parts of the bicycle like the handlebars and pedals have to be covered up or folded down.
In general, only one foldable bike is allowed on the bus at any one time.
Foldable bicycles are not allowed on the upper deck of a bus or on the staircase leading to the upper deck.
Commuters are recommended to use the first and last carriage in the train when travelling with their foldable bicycles.

Failure in compiling to these rules may result in a fine of S$500 or denied entry onto public transport.

Tips on bringing a CarryMe onto public transport

Many people may not know this but you can now bring your foldable bike on board public transport without having to cover the bike with a bag or cloth. As long your folded bicycle fits the dimensions of 120cm x 70cm x 40cm, you will not be denied entry. Even if the height and length of your folded bicycle do not exceed 120cm and 70cm respectively. Hence, you will have no problem with bringing your CarryMe onto public transport. There is no limit to the number of foldable bikes allowed on the MRTs unlike buses where it is limited to one.

Places to go with the CarryMe when you take the train

The good thing about having a foldable bike is the convenience of bringing it around anywhere. Simply unfold your CarryMe after exiting the MRT stations or buses and you are good to continue your cycling journey. Here is a list of Park Connector Network (PCN) that are located just outside MRT stations that you can explore.

Punggol Waterway Park

Located right outside Punggol Waterway Point along Sentul Crescent, Punggol Waterway Park is an ideal place for a day of leisure activities. It is very accessible from Punggol MRT station. Being one of the four parks linked by the North Eastern Riverine Loop (NERL), you can follow along the path and explore the North East area of Singapore.

Paya Lebar Park Connector (PC)

Situated along Tai Seng MRT, the PC starts between Kim Chuan Road and Airport Road. It provides a convenient cycling route along industrial buildings and offices. This is a common route used by daily commuters to travel to their offices.

Ulu Pandan Park Connector (PC)

Moving towards the west, we have the Ulu Pandan Park Connector that is located near Buona Vista MRT station. Cycle along the stretch of the PCN and get to Pandan Reservoir where you can enjoy the picturesque view.

Mighty Velo - The Folding Bike Specialist

Here at Mighty Velo, all our bicycles are public transport friendly. We are the authorised distributor for Pacific Cycles’ bicycles in Southeast Asia, carrying foldable bike brands like the CarryMe and CarryAll.
Mighty Velo takes pride in providing excellent after-sales service, and we are also easily found on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Carousell, Telegram and TikTok.
If you are interested, you can head down to our experience store at 30 Tai Seng Street, Breadtalk IHQ, #02-14, S534013. Appointments can be made through our social media platforms’ private message or email at hello@mightyvelo.com if you wish to test ride any of our bicycle models. We are open from Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 7 pm (except public holidays). You can also find out more information about our bicycles on our website at www.mightyvelo.com and shop at www.pacificcarryme.com.