To Ring the Bell or Not

A Facebook group member posted an article about no-bell-price. I fully agree with the video posted about him following a person having mobility issue walking on a narrow path. However, a bicycle bell does have its purpose and use. LTA recommends that a cyclist should have a bell. So it does give cyclists a means of alerting others without using verbal alarm.

Before I continue, I will introduce three abbreviations.

1. "AS" - Alarm sound by just ringing the bell once as recommended by LTA.

2. "MS" - Muffed sound made by ringing the bell while holding to the bell so that it makes a clicking sound. This is my own recommendation.

3. "ES" - Emergency sound by continuously ringing the bell.

Basically a bell is for alerting others about pending danger between the bicycle and other users of the road or path. It is not for use by people who just want others to give way because he/she think that they have the right of way and want to zoom pass others.

The Facebook group member wants to show that we should be compassionate about people having mobility issues and thus are very slow and usually blocks the way when the path is narrow. For this, cyclists should just follow behind and let them take their time. 

This also apply to parents bringing children who does not know the danger posed by others. Those parents who have kids with them should restrain their child so that cyclists can safely go pass them slowly.

Two person may be using a narrow path. It will be difficult to overtake them even on single file. Cyclist should be courteous enough to just follow behind them unless they give way. After all, they don't have to walk single file on a narrow path. Usually they will give way if they notice cyclist are behind without being alerted.

There are able bodied people who liked to walk in big groups. They will walk three or four person abreast so that they can chat among themselves. A wide path is not even enough for them to walk on. For these people, cyclist should use "MS" method to let them know others are using the path and is moving faster than them. Kindness Movement Singapore also suggest confronting errant people to let them know what is right and what is wrong. So "MS" is just to let them know that they are blocking others.

"MS" can be used to alert cyclists in front that you are behind them and possibly trying to overtake. A verbal "bike right" is usually more polite.

"AS" should be applied in advance if the path user swing widely left and right. This is especially true for those novice cyclist who just learned how to cycle. However, if the cyclist is really a novice, a "AS" should even make them more unstable. Apply it with caution. 

"AS" can be applied to those who are crossing the path without looking out for cyclists. it cannot be applied to people crossing using the zebra.

For those brazen cyclist who just barge in and out without looking and posing potential accidents, This includes cycling overtaking on opposite path encroaching on your path. "ES" should be used. It should be used sparingly unless it is really a high chance of accidents. Be aware that "ES" may cause irritation to them and is a potential cause of highly charged dialog.

In conclusion, a bell is used to alert others. It is not for you to make others give way to you because you want to cycle fast. A shared path is for all to use and they have the rights to use it. Unless they abuse their rights while ignoring other users, Cyclist should not use bells to cause irritation.

Cycling Two Abreast on Roads

Recently the Active Mobility Bill was passed on the second reading. Soon enough there are cyclist who question the reason for the limitation "cycling two abreast will be allowed on all roads with at least two lanes in that direction, except those with bus lanes during the bus lane operational hours".

Now, before we talk about the new bill on this topic, lets just see the existing laws regarding cycling on roads.

The title of Article 7 is "Travelling abreast prohibited". Article 7.1 specifically indicate bicycle cannot ride "on the right of another vehicle". There is no explicit definition of vehicle in the article. According to Oxford Dictionary (and others) it generally means "a thing used for transporting people or goods". It is quite clear cut that bicycle cannot be excluded.

Article 7.2 then restricts Article 7.1 by prohibiting "cycling on the right of any two other bicycles proceeding abreast".  There is absolutely no ambiguity about cycling abreast in this two article.

Unfortunately, those who have bias always ignore Article 7.1 by treating "vehicle" as equivalent to cars, lorries and buses. Furthermore, they read the word "two other bicycle proceeding abreast" as that the law allows two cycling abreast not withstanding that Article 7.1 already prohibits and that it is taken out of context.

It is quite confusing why the specific article mentions two bicycle. It is assumed that overtaking 2 bicycle is still allowed due to the fact that the space taken by two bicycles is small enough. Obviously, those  who are biased towards cycling abreast take it as cycling two abreast is allowed.

Article 7.2 actually refers to the prohibiting of the third third bicycle with respect to the first two (while the second bicycle is overtaking). "Proceeding abreast" was interpreted as cycling abreast. However, "proceeding" could also means "begin a course of action" in addition to "move forward". Anyhow, Article 7.2 is not about allowing, it is about prohibiting and the subject is on third cyclist. Naturally, when you are biased you tends to read the words that conform to you bias instead of open interpretation.

With the biased understanding of "two cycling abreast" being allowed in the old law, they objects to the idea of "putting restrains" in the Active Mobility Bill". They event question why it is not stated in the bill. However, LTA already specifically indicated that it is "key regulation for on-road cycling in the Road Traffic Act".

LTA never specifically explain why cycling abreast is not allowed on certain roads. I have done a bit of measurement and come out with an explanation.

According to an article in asiaone (dated 2012-08-28), Mr. Francis Chu measured the width of roads around Toa Payoh, Ubi and Buona Vista. He concluded that "standard car lane width to be 2.8 Meters" but it can be as wide as "4 Meters".

A bicycle generally measures 0.5 to 0.75 Meter wide. Lets take the shortest width as standard. In order to be safe from swings and water grills on the road, it is generally advisable to cycle just to the right of the double yellow line. That is about 1 meter from the curb side. Now there is a campaign to promote 1.5 Meters safety gap between cyclists and other fast moving vehicles. Assuming, the safety measures are all in place, the total distance that other vehicles must move will be 1+0.5+1.5 = 3 Meters. Even with the widest of road lanes, other vehicles will have to end up partially on the second lane or opposite lane.

If cycling two abreast, then you have to add another 2 Meters (bicycle width plus safety distiance). The total gap (5 Meters) will be wider than any road lane width. Therefore, defining cycling two abreast on "at least two lanes in that direction" is appropriate safety measure rather than restriction.

On single road lanes and bus lanes (multi lanes are not excluded), the safety distance for one cyclist is already 3 Meters. It will be dangerous for other vehicles to overtake. They generally have to go on to the other lane to pass safely. Many cyclist feels the pressure when other vehicles overtook them too close. They do not realize that they have the rights to be on the road so is other vehicles. I do know that it is flesh against steel. Motorcycles also face the same issue. but because their speed is equal to cars, they feel less intimidated because less vehicles overtake them and they are not blocking others.

Cyclists cannot expect other vehicles to follow them because even the slowest speed limit (40 KPH in HDB areas) is also faster than the average 30 KPH that a cyclist can do (except some very good ones). While overtaking bicycles, the other vehicles are also restrained by other vehicles in the same direction or opposite direction. It is inevitable that they sometimes misjudge the safety gap and go uncomfortably close to cyclists. It is not bias on the driver part because they do it to other drivers too.

There are many drivers who question the reason for allowing cyclists on roads. They even say "cyclist do not pay road tax". We can understand their frustration because cyclists used to obstruct their ways. However, cycling on roads are explicitly allowed by law. Cyclists have the right to use roads. It is a matter of accommodating each other.

With the above reasoning, cyclist should be glad that it is now explicitly allowed two abreast on certain roads and not whine about cycling abreast on all roads.

One last thing. Roads are designed for commuting, it is not specifically designed for convoys. Many cyclist like to use the road for recreation/sports in a group. There is no law against travelling in convoys/groups. Remember that cyclists are not travelling faster than other road vehicles which could easily out run them. Out of courtesy, you should consider that they need to overtake you thus try to give way to them whenever possible as a cooperation between road users. There is no law against cycling in groups that does not means you sacrifice other's right to move faster.

I myself am cyclist. I advocate mutual acceptance rather than biased toward cyclists. I do full heartedly support the campaign of having cycling paths on roads. That will alleviate a lot of issues.

Pedestrian Crossings Away from Intersection

Pedestrian walk ways are usually running along roads. Pedestrian Crossings usually cross at the junctions or intersections. Recently, Singapore constructs some pedestrian crossing 20-30 Meters down the road. This blog is to explore the pros and cons of such crossings.

First lets discuss on what type of crossings that are used.

1. Non-signaled crossings
2. Signaled crossings
3. Zebra crossings

Non-signaled crossing usually are built on small roads where there are much less traffic. Pedestrians cross at their own risk. Signaled crossings are generally on more busy roads where there are needs to stipulate a period of time where pedestrian can cross safely. It has two divisions. One is non-automated. You have to press a button to trigger the change of traffic lights. This is usually on very busy roads where priority is given to vehicles. The other one is automated signaling. This type will automatically alternate between pedestrian and vehicular signal. Zebra crossings near intersections are rare. It is usually constructed near schools and where multitudes of pedestrians cross at a certain point.

We now talk about where will the crossing be built. Most of the crossings are built at the point where the junctions or intersections are joined. Some are built further away from the junction.  Zebra crossings are usually built much further in.

The following are discussions specifically on pedestrian crossings that are built further in instead of at the junction itself.

Non-signaled crossings are usually built across car park exits and small roads. It may be just an opening to the road or is built on raised platforms with ground markings on both sides.

Pros

• It allows vehicles to turn in first rather than wait at the junction thereby blocking other traffics.
• It allows pedestrians to see the vehicle coming in thus avoid ambiguity.

Cons

• Vehicles used to think that they have the right of way thus pedestrians has to always avoid crossing when the vehicle is moving in.
• Vehicles exiting to main roads used to block the crossing while waiting to exit to the main road as there is no signboard or marking on the ground indicating that it is a crossing.
• Vehicles don't bother to slow down when the crossing is not a raised platform type.
• Pedestrians used to avoid such crossing especially when they are already walking along the road on the pedestrian walk way.
• This type of crossing will be useful only when there is little vehicle traffic otherwise either pedestrians is unable to cross or vehicles still blocks the main road traffic.

Signaled crossings are usually built at intersections. Some are even built on side roads like those near Admiralty MRT at junction between Ave 7 and Ave 6.

Pros

• It allows alternate period where vehicles and pedestrians can move.
• On less busy roads it is usually a non-automated signaling where user just waits for their turn to cross. No conflicts.
• On busy roads vehicles usually have the right of way till pedestrians change the signal by pressing a button. Yet to see one with sensors to detect people waiting. Good for improving vehicle traffic.

Cons

• Again this is only feasible if the vehicle traffics at the junction is not heavy otherwise there will be two sets of traffic within a short distance for the vehicles (at the junction and crossing)
• Pedestrians are still responsible to watch out for traffic. It does not equals to pedestrians have the right of way. This is evident at a court ruling that pedestrians are 15% liable to damages because the injured did not look out for traffic.
• Pedestrians tends to rush across when the signaling shows that it is less than 10 seconds before change.
• Older people might not cross in time. There are some junctions that allows longer time of crossing when user tap their senior citizen cards on the reader.
• People actually stopped in the middle of the road to chit chat.
• Can you imagine the dilemma of pedestrians who need to cross over to the other side across the intersection? The person need to walk 30 Meters down to the crossing. Wait for the signal, then cross it. Walked another 30 Meters down to the intersection then walked 30 Meters further down to the other crossing. Waited yet again before crossing then finally another 30 Meters to continue the original direction. 120 extra Meters just to cross the two roads. Older designs means they only have to do a L shape crossing. In some countries, they could even cross diagonally.
• Pedestrians could potentially block the walkaway. Intersection crossing usually have road islands where people can wait thereby freeing the walk ways for other users. 
• Think also for drivers. They wait at the junction for signals to cross the junction. Before they could accelerate, another traffic light is right in front. 
• On heavy traffic, vehicles will have a bumper to bumper queue across the junction (making a right turn). Each vehicle takes 3 seconds to respond to the traffic change or the front vehicle's movement. This means they probably have to wait another 9 seconds to clear (3 cars within 30 meters). 9 seconds could means that the traffic light at the junction could already changed thus causing traffic blockage at the junction because they cannot cross in time. it is even worse if the intersection is a yellow box. You may say that they should wait at the junction. You think they will wait if there is a very long queue? They are not wrong to move into the junction.

Zebra crossing. It is yet to see one such crossing so near to intersections. Again, this will cause more issues at busy roads since pedestrians are given priority.

All in all pedestrian crossings away from intersections is only feasible where the traffic is not heavy. It cause more issues to both pedestrians and vehicles at busy junctions and intersections. 

Pedestrians usually take the shortest distance to cross roads. They will ignore the crossings if they have to walk extra 60 Meters. This means more people will take risks and thereby causing unnecessary accidents.

Typical Response of SMRT

The first time I entered this particular bus service 963, it smells of strong petroleum odor. I thought maybe it is a faulty one thus did not feedback.

On 29 Sept boarded a 963 SG5780L and it has the same smell. So I feedback to SMRT about it and it replied

"With the information you have provided, I have highlighted your feedback internally for necessary checks and action. At the same time, I have also informed our Maintenance Department to step up on the cleaning regime on our buses."


On 6th Oct boarded the same bus SG5780L the fume was choking. Feed back to SMRT again and the reply is

"Please allow me to share that during our inspection on 3 October 2016, the bus was free from petrol smell. Nevertheless, we will continue to remind our staff to ensure this bus is cleaned on daily basis to remove unwanted smell during journey."


On 10th Oct boarded the same bus SG5780L again. This time the fume is still strong but not as bad. Immediately feedback but probably forgot to tick "need a reply". There is no reply.

Today 24th Oct. Boarded the same bus the fifth time. It still smells. Had to drop off at Bukit Batok because it really gives me eye sore and headache.

Do I feedback again. No. I never feedback beyond the third round. Why waste time? I feedback directly to LTA.

Now if LTA also behaves the same way as SMRT then perhaps I should go to Public Forum and vent my frustration.

Keppel Hill Reservoir

National Heritage Board rediscovered Keppel Hill Reservoir not long ago. This reservoir was once used by Tanjong Pagar Dock Company (former PSA).

I was curious and wanted to see it thus go for the exploration trip. Since the place is pretty small and probably void of any features, the trip start at Alexandra Road. Below is the GPS recording.

As usual, I took the trail instead of the bridge at Forest Walk (Southern Ridges). Noticed some artwork near Lock Road. There are wire mess in the shape of butterflies. Here are two of them. Not very pretty and I most probably missed them in the past.

The Antidesma (no common name) is fruiting.

Have you seen a row of caterpillars gnawing on the leaves?

Never get tired of looking at a Lesser Dart butterfly.

Damaged but still elegant Felder's Royal.

The Orchid Tree is just before the Henderson Bridge. Its flower is beautiful even fallen already.

This Borneo Ru is nice but two efforts to take pictures of its fruit failed. Just look at the tag. Can you guess what it says? I only guess its name from the word Gymnostoma and Borneo. There is only one that has this combination.

To reach the trail, I had to open a steel gate at the small park. It is latched but unlocked. Beyond it is uncharted trail. There are maps showing the path but usually it won't be helpful as there is no marking. Luckily the foot paths are still visible and there are bricked step still showing.

It isn't far before I reached the reservoir. The first thing I noticed is a water pump still working. Its probably some one still using the water.

The reservoir looks run down but its brick wall, where I stood,  is still sturdy.

Here the foot path splits. Tried the left one and saw this tree fallen over the stream with narrow bricked wall. Turn back to the other one and find the path disappears after a while. No choice but to craw under the fallen tree. Took a picture after the ordeal.

The path is clear and easy after that. Took a final trail between Keppel Hill Rd and Telok Blangah Rd as indicated in the map. Mission accomplished. The total distance covered is 4 KM.

Here is the WikiLoc Map. No album as Google Photos is very unfriendly. It does not update the photos after uploading. I have yet to update all the tagging and naming so the pictures has not been uploaded yet.

People on PCN

Recently there have been quite a debate between cyclists and pedestrians going on even ministers are mulling on setting speed limits or reinstate licencing. While I have a lot of arguments for cyclists, I choose to be neutral. The following describes what is the best behavior for both cyclists and pedestrians.

Cyclists

1. Should realize that pedestrians are not well educated on the use of PCN. They treat it like part of a park thus walks without looking out for traffic. So be patient and be alert.

2. Should realize that high cycling speed could cause serious injuries to pedestrians during accidents. So slow down please when there are pedestrians around. Go on the road if you are a speedster in need of speed. PCN is not just for cycling.

3. Should realize that children are ignorant of your presence. Be extra careful when approaching them (especially from behind).

4. Should not be rude to other users as they have the same right as you to use PCN.

5. Should use voice communication as it will unlikely startle pedestrians unlike ringing the bell.

6. Speed if you want if the PCN is deserted. Just be aware that there are blind corners and other speedsters around. PCN is originally designed for pedestrians only.

7. Should realize that even adults may misbehave especially when they are looking at their handphones. They can't hear you if they have earpieces on or having a nice time talking. After all they are enjoying the walk.

8. Should realize that it does not make you a second class user. By being courteous and giving way to others, it makes you a higher class user than them. Yes, you could not cycle smoothly but it ensures that you reach your destination without incident. Think of others rather than concentrate on yourself.

9. If there is a marking for cycling path on PCN, please use it. Nevermind if pedestrians tends to go on cycling path. That problem is a general education issue.

10. Be aware that there are some learners cyclists on PCN. Their balancing are bad. They don't signal. Their control of the bicycle are feeble. Do be understanding as you at one time also behave exactly the same as them.

11. Keep a reasonable gap between you and others. You expect cars to give you 1.5M space. Do it the same to pedestrians.

12. Cycling in a group may be fun but if you cause inconvenience to others. It is bad.

Pedestrians

1. There is no rule on using PCN. NParks does have a basic guide line. KEEP LEFT!

2. Should realize that pedestrians are not the only users. There are cyclists which travel much faster than you.

3. Should look out for fast traffic when making turns or change direction. Others does not have telepathic senses to know what you are doing.

4. When you give way to others please keep left instead of some right and some left making it difficult for cyclists to go pass you.

5. Avoid blocking the complete route when walking in groups. There are faster PCN users who can overtake you easily.

6. Always hold the hand of your children when walking on PCN. They won't know the danger of fast moving vehicles and they won't look out for them.

7. Walk your children/dogs on your left instead of on the right while keeping left. It is safer.

8. Stop playing on PCN. It is for walking. Sudden moves may invite accidents as there will not be ample time for cyclists to react.

9. Stop looking at your handphone or listen to music unless you are just walking straight without crossing any path.

10. Zebra crossing on PCN are supposed to be safe. Don't assume. Look out for errant cyclists.

11. If there are markings on the path separating cycling and walking. Please use the walking path.

If everybody plays their part, there will be minimal arguments or accidents. I won't say there will be no accidents as there is no way you can prevent it. Under unforseen circumstances, accidents do happen.

How accessible is Kranji Marshes

Kranji Marshes was opened officially yesterday. I went there yesterday afternoon. It was practically deserted.

Today I saw "Today" news paper that the marshes is actually not for public access. Once a month NParks and NSS will conduct a free guided tour each that goes into the marshes. Meanwhile the general public will have to settle for a small area at the edge with a glimpse of the marshes.

Contrary to other places like the neighbouring Sungei Buloh Wetland, there is practically no access to naturists like myself who prefer to just walk in.

It is therefore not visitor friendly. A review will show how accessible it is.

Firstly the place is off Neo Tiew Road. There is not even a sign board by the roadside to show where is the road that leads to the marshes. I have to try every side road along the way to find the actual place.

As far as I know, there is no public bus service in the area. There is a private bus service (Kranji Express) but I did not find the destination included in the schedule. That limits access to those who drive or cycle. In view of the government's drive towards 80% utilizing public transport, Less than 3/4 of the population has no access to this place.

Even if you can reach the main building, there is practically no access to the marshes unless you register for the tour.

NParks and NSS guided tour is only once a month each and you must register first. People who have adhoc free time will have no chance. Moreover a large group of people walking around will disturb the birds so chances of seeing one loitering around is much less.

Naturists and bird watchers will want to stay much longer at one spot to catch a view of nature. NSS does have a tour in the morning but that is only for members or at best, registered visitors.

NParks tour is only conducted in the evening. There is practically no chance to get the early birds. They certainly won't wait for you to loiter around.

With this I conclude that it is not a good place to visit unless you are just a tourist wanting to see nature on a guided tour booked in advance. If this is the trend for future parks of similar nature, it spell doom for casual naturalists.

Scary Moments for a Cyclist

I have been cycling on the road for the past 50 over years. Most of the time it is uneventful. Occasionally there are moments where it bring chills to your mind. The following are some of it.

One car sped past me while I am about to cross a T junction. It turn right in front of me into the side road. I have no choice but turn abruptly and brake hard at the same time. I miss hitting the car just by inches. This is not the only time the exact same thing happens.

On car sped past me on a straight road and cut in front of me then brake hard. Luckily I usually slow down when a vehicle cuts in front of me. That habit save me from hitting it. A lorry did the same thing to me a week or two after a national cyclist was killed by a parking lorry.

I was speeding across a junction. A car driver moves his car forward even though the light has not even change orange yet. The worse thing is that he realizes the mistake and stopped his car right in my path. Again been observant save my skin.

A pickup was moving fast from opposite end and turns in to the left turn lane. I noticed that it is moving fast and thus slow down. That pickup just speed right across me. When I show "what are you doing sign" to it, the person on the passenger seat even mock me.

Countless moments when I cross a side lane of a junction, the vehicle never stops despite there is a zebra crossing. Once I was moving slowly towards the zebra crossing one car speed across it without even pausing. It is just when I was about to cross the side lane.

I am very particular about crossing a T junction. Once I was going straight. A car moves from the side lane towards the junction. He stops at the junction and when I am about to reach him, he zooms out from the junction. I would end up dead if he moves out one second later.

A pickup come out from a side road onto the second lane then turn right into another side road close by without even signalling. If I wasn't aware, I would have crashed right into it.

A bus was making a U turn and since I am already at the point of the turn going straight I did not pause for it to turn. The driver was probably agitated by my action he goes along side me and slowly inches towards me till I had to jump out on to the curb. He then sped away. A very evil person.

A vam is about to turn into a side road then suddenly brakes and stops right across my way. I am expecting it to move in early so I continue speeding and when it brakes, I almost lost control of my bike. It is not the fault of the van driver. A child actually runs across the side road. The van was on the same side of me and I can't see the child so never expects it to brake and stop right there.

Pedestrians never notice bicycles. When they jay walk even when the it is not supposed to (the traffic light already turn red for them), they just cross without looking. It is so often that I always slow down when I see pedestrians waiting to cross the road regardless whether there is a traffic light control.

Once I was on the right side of a car that stopped. A passenger just open the door without looking and I banged right into the door.

A few cars and a bus stopped at the junction. Naturally I go on the left and try to get near the junction. This bus has its door open but is not near the curb. One passenger suddenly jumped out from the bus right into my path. Even though I wasn't speeding, the impact send the guy down onto the floor with elbow bruises. I also lost balance and landed on the grass verge on my back with just minor scratches.

A taxi sped past me and let a passenger alight in front. By the time I reached it, the passenger has already got out of the taxi and it is about to move. Since I am already along side it, I signalled that I am cutting back left. He probably not happy that I blocked him from moving so he sped past me and then slow down near a side road. I noticed that he slow down and assume that he is about to turn into the side road so I just follow behind. Instead of turning he accelerates pass the T junction. I also pick up speed. At the next junction he slow down again. I noticed that he did not even look side ways. So I keep even a longer distance away from him. He did not turn and then drive quickly forward.

I speculate that he is not happy with me and thus want me to go near then make a sudden turn to make me fall over. If he is not sure whether he should turn, at least you can see his head turn towards the side road. It is highly unusual that he only looks in front. He probably look at the rear view mirror to see if I am coming on the left.

One car drive besides me along a road. There is no traffic in front so he should not be at the same speed and just beside me. When going near a T junction,  I purposely slow down in case he make a sudden turn. The car accelerates away.  If I am a girl, it is probably sexual harassment. I would consider this as a malicious act again.

When I cycle from Yishun via Lentor Ave towards AMK. The lane actually leads toward express way entrance. Since there are two lanes that goes into the express, I cycled on the third land.  The next moment a few cars zoom pass me on the left and on the right. The right hand car even cut across my path to go into the express entrance. I also hear a few cars horning at me. I is a truly scary moment. Since then I avoid Lentor Ave and choose Upper Thomson Rd when I am going towards AMK. If I need to go further north to Punggol, I choose Yishun Ave 6 and 7 then Seletar North Link instead.

When going from AMK to Yishun, Lentor Ave have an express way exit with car going at high speed down the slope. At the turn near Mandai road it is difficult to go straight. You have to cut across two lanes. Even after you managed to pass the turning point you end up on a second lane with buses and cars going out on the first lane. End up I always do a stop-look-go way just to cut across the lane. Too much hassle to do it three times on a same road moreover Lentor Ave is always full of speeding cars during rush hours. I avoid Lentor Ave like a plague.

Was cycling on Telok Blangah Rd towards Jurong. Nearing the entrance to Sentosa, There are huge number of cars trying to turn in to it. It is really scary when so many cars trying to cut in front of you to turn left.

I was going uphills and there is a turn right on top of it. I made a turn then realized that there is a oil spill on the road but is too late to avoid it. Sustained a large bruised skin on the back and elbow.

Of course not all cars behave the same way. There are plenty of courteous cars,buses and lorries who give way to me even though they have the right of way. Some even encourages me on.

A more scary experience is actually pedestrians and cyclists on PCN. You see inconsiderate cyclist speeding and shouting for you to give way. You see pedestrians blocking the way, making turns without looking, suddenly step into the PCN, children on bicycles makes sudden turns, novice cyclists lost their balance, illegal ebike user zooming in and out etc. I have lost count of how many times such incident occurs. It is even more stressful to cycle on PCN than on the road.

Once I was on Mandai PCN during the raining season. It was not raining on the day I rode on the PCN. I saw a tree branch so I turn my handle a bit and the result is I see myself sliding on the floor. Luckily there is no serious injury. A few weeks later my cycling group also go on to Mandai PCN. 8 of them fell along the way some had bad cuts. It is all because the PCN is covered with algae.

Despite all these scary moments, it does not deter me from cycling. Accidents does occur. Due to my extra vigilant caution, I have avoided major injuries. These incidents tells me not to be complacent when I go on my bike.

Bali Flora and Fauna

Went with In-laws to Bali for holiday. The trip is mostly touring but I managed to squeeze in quite a number of flora fauna pictures.

At Benoa Bay, Kuta, I saw a large deposit of marine algae. These were Sea Lettuce.

While on a jetty, saw this Sally Lightfoot Crab, a rock crab. Hard to get the frame right because it is always on the move.

At Uluwatu, before seeing the Fire Dance we have to pass through a path that is famous for mugging - by monkeys. These were crab eating monkeys. This one is probably the alpha male. Large and fierce looking. Not time to snap more picture because the guide urges me on.

Back at the villa, the first plant that caught my eye is a Breadfruit tree.

An early morning stroll alone on the alley (the so called road), I found a Sky flower. It is similar to Laura Leafed Thunbergea which is very common in Singapore. The difference is the leaf shape.

While going to see Mt Batur (volcano), the van break down. Took the opportunity to take pictures of the plants around. Caught sight of this Angel's Trumpet.

While having buffet lunch at a resturant that have a good view of the volcano, an unidentified bug flew right on to me begging to be included.

On the way back, went to a coffee plantation for coffee tasting. It has a showcase garden that have quite a number of plants. The first one of course is Arabic Coffee.

The next one is a yet to be identified Ginger.

Passion fruit in this area is called Makasa.

The famous Luwat Coffee comes from the droppings of this Civet Cat (Asian Palm Civet). It looked sad because it is in solitary confinement.

Here they offer free samples of beverages.

While waiting for the "sunset dinner", caught sight of this Spotted Dove up on the roof. Good thing I brought the 48X Cannon camera. No problem zooming in to this bird with decent clarity and no camera stand (just an attached selfile stick on the table).

Went for a long stroll on the next day. The beach is just one Kilometers away from the villa. Saw this Pandan tree with nice fruit (Spiny Seashore Pine).

Passion flowers are common here.

Out of nowhere came a small padi field.

As usual, Munia birds are found with it. This one is a White Rumped Munia.

Back to the villa and decided to take a picture of a tree with white trunk. Can't identify it.

While going up Bedugul, we stopped at a road side to rest. One guy with a few animals and a "Donation" sign was at the road side. I don't donate as I do not encourage people to take captive of the animals.

There is a Green Iguana (not local) in the cage.

There is also a stringed Buffy Fish Owl.

One Red Parrot is also there. Not very clear picture. Auto focus end up in the back ground.

Another Civet cat was in a pet box.

Finally an upside down Fruit Bat.

At Bedugul, the first sighting is a Flame Vine in the car park.

Then there is this large Red Passion Flower.

Near the entrance are two Orchids (Epidendrum Ibaguense).

Right after the entrance is an unidentified Juniper tree. Very nice looking.

Two variety of lilies were captured by my camera.

Two other unidentified flower is also in my collection.

Further down there is a fully yellow Lily flower.

Around the corner there is another Angel's Trumpet. This one is white.

This flower looks familiar but just can't remember the name.

This Shrimp Plant is unmistakable.

This Fireball Chenille Plant, looks like normal Red Cat's Tail but is much more fluffy.

It looks like a normal Glorybush. This one is actually a Emperor Glorybush.

Not sure what is this plant's name.

This one looks a bit like Snowrose. Probably a variant or another specie. It really looks nice.

Fairy Pettycoat can be found in Singapore. This one has a full bloom.

Some deers are kept in this park. The fist one looks like a Barking Deer.

The other one is a Rusa Deer.

There are a number of diseased Mediterranean Cyperss,

A bed of Daisy is a very nice scene.

Blue Lilies are also seen in Singapore. Unfortunately due to poor eyesight, most of the flowers are facing the wrong way.

Specifically took a picture of the fruits of this plant. It looks very different.

Now, this is the identifiable Snowrose with flower.

Anthurium are common in singapore. I find this Flamingo Flower a bit different. It has pretty large leaves.

Another common Anthurium (Bird Nest Anthurium) is at the corner also.

Next stop is Tanah Lot. This place is more scenery than plants. Saw a captive Fruit bat again.

There is nothing to capture except the very hot sun on the next day before returning back to Singapore.

You would have noticed that I did not include the tour side of the pictures. Those are mostly for the in-laws. Below are some of the nature pictures. These pictures are collected in another album (limited access).

At Kuta

 At Uluwatu

 At Mt Batur

 At Jimbalan Bay

 At Legian Beach

 Along the way to Bedugul

 Tanah Lot

No maps as it is not a walking trip. The complete picasa album (just flora fauna) is here.