Active Mobility Advisory Panel Recommendation

AMA recommended to reduce cycling speed on footpaths to 10 KPH and mandatory helmet on roads. It provoked quite a stir in the cycling community even resulted in the resignation of a member of the panel.

The reduction from 15 KPH to 10 KPH is probably in view of the increase of accidents between PMDs and pedestrians. It is quite difficult to judge whether it is appropriate as 10 KPH is considered very slow to cyclists. However, if it endangers pedestrians even on 15 KPH, it is for the good of pedestrians.

Dutch cycling rule prohibits cycling on footpaths and walkways. They have the most cyclist population. Their consideration is appropriate to protect pedestrians. However, they have extensive dedicated cycling paths which we are trying to achieve. In view of this, cycling on footpaths and walkways is an alternative but if it cause more injuries to pedestrians, the compromise should be to reduce speed.

I used to commute around and often encounters a lot of pedestrians on footpaths. It is almost impossible to cycle greater than 10 KPH. At times, I have to just patiently follow elderly folks at their speed. I don't advocate using bells to get people to give way. They have the same right to use the path. Moreover, pedestrians do not have "keep left" rule. They can any how walk on the footpath. Often two or more people will give way to both sides and I have to slowly inch forward between them so as not to accidentally make contact.

Obviously, if the footpath is empty then the law should close one eye and allow faster speeds. It should be a responsible cycling style rather than a regulated cycling style.

On mandatory cycling helmets on road. It is a very controversial issue. On the one end it is to provide some form of protection. On the other, it is not convenient for many users. For myself, I always wear helmets regardless. No big fuss about it.

For the Dutch, they have extensive cycling path. Cyclists are mostly shielded from other vehicles. In Singapore, we are just plainly underdogs on roads. Cycling helmet does not prevent accident. It is just trying to reduce injuries for minor accidents. I fell a number of times. If not for the helmet, I probably have a number of head injuries. I don't fully agree with mandatory helmet rule but I do highly recommends wearing one.

Kindness?

Two consecutive days I saw kindness.sg promoting "kindness".  The Singapore Kindness Movement was formed in 1997. Its aim is "to encourage Singaporeans to make a positive commitment to gracious living through simple acts of kindness."

The aim is nothing but perfect. So it seems. Look at the whole page ads below.

What has it to do with kindness? The picture practically say that you are not kind to snap a photo of people misbehaving. Insteads you should confront the person. The real kindness is to show a photo of people giving up their seats to the needy.

This photo portrays the same message. You should not take photo. Instead you should confront the angry man. A show of empathy to who? The waitress or the angry man? The wordings in the photo says you can "stand by", "watch", "take a video" or "step in and try". Which action shows empathy? The last one? It is practically asking people to confront the angry man. Should this photo be showing empathy towards the server and not to scold her?

It keeps saying "Kindness" yet it points to bystanders and say that they should act. By acting it is equal to "kindness"?  I don't know what's wrong with the mind of the organization. It is advocating everyone to act in confronting wrong doers as if bystanders are experts in that area while it by itself says nothing about themselves telling the wrong doers that they should be gracious and do what is right.

The two photos actually show the adverse message. It is saying you should not take photos/videos neither should you do nothing. Is it wrong to do what they try to dissuade? Are we a confrontational society? If it is not handled properly it may well hurt the peace maker's feeling or make the situation worse. Is it not better to educate the wrong doers rather than the bystanders?

Taking a photo and post online is a bad thing? It is not graceful? Many people do not want to directly confront others. They try to vent their dislike by posting such bad activity online. The action by itself is not really a correct thing to do but it could be the only way many people try to show their dislike.

By posting online, the public will be aware of such event and thus avoid being the center of attention. This is far better than trying to talk to individuals to solve the issue. Would you want to do bad things in public knowing that your bad act may be shown to the whole world? I do agree that it damages the wrong doers image. A graceful/kind person should not have done that in public in the first place.

Most public figures faced the same issue. They have to ensure that they do not do wrong in public otherwise the whole world will knows about it. Why then should individuals be exempted. You did it in public and people capture/record and show it in public. There is nothing wrong to that. The only thing I strongly disagree is to have paparazzi style of stalking people to capture their embarrassing moments. That is totally evil.

EU has passed a law to have "rights to  be forgotten". That is a good thing. At least it gives people who did wrong in ignorance/rage to be given a chance to be forgotten. That is what I called "graceful society". Maybe kindness.sg should advocate this act to be passed by parliament instead.

Cycling map in Singapore

Go to the map directly at https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/view?mid=zYN7CFn96k94.k5NpSMlBEPvI

How I identify a Brazilian FireTree (Schizolobium parahyba)

Schizolobium parahyba is a fast growing tree that grows 3 meters each year. It is native in Central America to southern Brazil.

It started with me taking a picture of the plant at Taman Jurong Park. It really look unique with its soaring canopy and its slender and green trunk. I have never seen such Jurassic looking plant before.

The foliage is so small that I could not make up what it looks like. There is nothing else except the shape of the tree and the tree trunk itself. Usually one would want to find out its leaf shape, fruit, flower, trunk and overall shape of the tree to identify it. With just the tree trunk, it is hardly possible to identify the plant.

The first guess is that it is a giant Papaya as the trunk sure looks like it. However, the leaves does not have the shape of a papaya. Moreover, I have not seen a Caricaceae that is five story tall.

The next guess is a palm tree as it also leaves similar marks on the trunk. However palm leaves does not spread out like this tree. Its stalk also leaves a mark on a trunk like a ring. Again it is ruled out.

The next guess is that it is a Fern. Problem is that fern branches does not drop off like that. Again, the result is ruled out.

Well, that leaves me with no clue to what type of plant it is. As usual, I just do a picture search with The Plant Observatory as it is a web site that shows Singaporean Plants. The result is blank.

Next, I tried the Wellgrow site which is a Malaysian plant distributor. It turns out negative also.

Finally, I tried NParks website. Unfortunately, NPark showed its photo in a 2x2 cm size. You have to click on it to see a larger picture. There are thousands of pictures available in the tree category. Searching pictures with NParks is never easy. I usually missed the very plant that I look for. The initial result is again negative.

Finally I tried TopTropicals, a site that shows many tropical plants. Browsing through it usually take a long time as it has many thousands of pictures. The result is not fruitful.

I have no choice but to KIV the search.

On and off, I tried to find the plant again by browsing the few web sites mentioned above. The reason is that even with pictures, it may not match what I want to see. For example NParks shows a flower picture, a fruit picture and a young plant. What I am looking for is the tree trunk picture. Even by looking at the picture, there is no way to link it to the plant I am searching for unless I copy the Scientific name and then do a Google search with it. There is no way this is going to work unless I feel that it is remotely similar to the plant I wanted to find.

I posted the plant picture in iNaturalist and Noah Project hoping that some one has seen it before. There is no respond also. Thus, this item is left with the whole list of TBA (to be advised/identified).

I then chanced across the same tree in Hort Park recently. It renewed my motivation to do a search again as I managed to take a large picture of its leaves.

Searching through the picture catalog again slowly, I managed to find NPark picture on the plant. It may not look similar but at least its leaves structure matches. The picture showed a young plant that look like a shrub but since it is categorized in the Tree section, I decided to do a Google search with the name. When the Google search result appears, I am overjoyed. The first few pictures show a grown tree and it looks very similar to the one I saw.

Usually, I will confirm whether it is available in Singapore first. As mentioned before the tree is native in America. It turned out that NParks has it listed in the Heritage Tree registry. Well, that concludes my search. One plant specie is added to my plant collection.

Bicycle Path design

I have jokingly posted in FB on a bad design of a cycling path. It is about crossing on a carpark entrance. The design requires user to dismount and push across the road as there is no ramps lining both sides. A few others join in the fun by giving funny answers on how to cross. We were just having fun talking about it.

There is this proponents of the design who actually think that this is an acceptable design and chides us for being wanting to be "spoon fed". He wants us to live with it.

Since we were not that serious about criticizing the design, the post is not a welcoming message. As I started the posted, I am compelled to respond. I brought out the fact that it defeats the purpose of a cycling path if we cannot cycle on it. It is the fundamental reason for a cycling path.

I also point out that if a cyclist have to do it many times, cyclists will get weary of it. The proponent said that he has done it many times and does not have any effect. I pointed out that it will have an effect after a long cycling trip with many of this obstacles.

The proponent then deviates and ask me how "pedestrians cross the road". I bring the subject back to focus by saying that cyclist have to behave like pedestrians when crossing the road. There is no need for an extra step to dismount just to cross the road.

The proponent again criticizes the mention of "extra step". He then ask for the reason for "having no ramps but have pillars". He is obviously just based on the picture I posted. I draw example from PCN paths and point out various places where there are no pillars but have ramps. I also point out that some PCN have ramp and pillar too.

The proponent then switch the focus to "misuse" of the fact of no pillars. This is actually out of the point as I actually started with "no ramps" issue only. I simply pull the subject back to focus by relating the design to cyclists only.

The proponent then mix motorist and cyclists together and focus on misuse. I refute the contention and bring out the point that PCN does not have such protection on both too. I then challenge him to take the proposed route by URA from Punggol to City and comment about the number of obstacles need to go through. He avoided the challenge and say that I deviate from the point of contention.

I corrected him that my post is not just about one single issue. It is about the general design of cycling routes. In actual fact, I posted a long list of issues in PCN quite some time ago and have recently posted two separate issues on cycling paths.

The proponent agrees about the misunderstanding of the purpose of the post but still stress that it is not an issue. Obviously I also stress that one or two such obstacle is not an issue until you have to do a number of it at one time.

The proponent then suggest to avoid the obstacles. I pointed out that this is totally contrary to the purpose of having a cycling path.

The proponent then tries to soften the impact by saying that money is not an issue and that its use is more than just for cyclists. I don't want to point out the fact that this is a "dedicated cycling path" to him. I just concentrate on the bigger issue about "money is not an issue". I pointed out that it wastes tax payer's money and shows the world what Singapore can do with this type of design for cycling.

The proponents then goes quiet. Meanwhile others continues to joke about it. Surprisingly, another proponent posted a message saying that the design is better than another and that we should accept it.

I really find it hard to accept such baseless suggestion. I looked at Google map street view on the whole stretch of the cycling path in the specific area for the similarity of design. I found 5 crossings within the same route with all of the routes crossing carpark entrances from main road. Four of them joins to pedestrian crossing before crossing the road. The particular obstacle is a bit far from the usual pedestrian crossing where other paths join. There is also another pedestrian crossing close by but is very near the building.

I concluded that it is more difficult to join to the usual pedestrian path so the designer simply terminates the cycling path. It also does not makes no sense to have three crossings on a short stretch of the road.

II then reply with my findings to show that the particular design is not better but simply convenient decision by the designer without considering the cyclist. The second proponent did not respond.

The first proponent then rudely say that it is a wast of breath talking (in Cantonese spelled in English). Obviously I cannot take this comment lying down. First I agree with him that it is "a waste of breath" because he did not see out point. I also hinted that by agreeing with the designer, he is actually encouraging more bad designs.

Both proponents then fell silent. I will also give the case a rest until some proponent starts to suggest otherwise.

Please do not take it that I am a die hard opponent to dismounting on cycling paths. It is very much more difficult to design a cycling path on an existing infrastructure. I do accept that some dismounting crossings are inevitable as it may not be viable or economical to make life easy for cyclists. However, if there is a way to make life better for cyclists then due considerations should be made.

This particular issue is actually not an acceptable design. There are plenty of spaces available around the entrance to join the cycling path to the pedestrian walk way. I can live with having a "dedicated cycling path" sharing with pedestrians. I simply cannot accept that a "dedicated cycling path" requires cyclists to dismount because the designer decided that it is easier to design that way.

Pandan Reservoir

Pandan Reservoir is situated in Jurong area sandwiched between Buloh Road and West Coast Road. The nearest MRT access is Jurong East MRT.  This trip is by far the quickest for the same distance as the two Kilometer from the MRT to the reservoir is on foot path. There is not much plants to take note of except those that are in the gardens of private estates and commercial buildings.

The reservoir path is slightly more than 6 KM. It is devoid of facilities except a canoe club and two short floating bridge on the north side of the reservoir.

It is also lacking in variety of plants available. All I get is plenty of Morning glory, Common Asystasia, Mimosa plus some other weeds. There is not even a shrub available on the whole stretch of path ways not to mention any trees. This path way is raised about 3 meters above ground level. The water in the reservoir is actually higher than the surrounding by at least 2 meters. Trees were planted below the walkway and quite far away from it.

It is so open that at 8.30 am, the sun is unbearably hot after walking for a quarter of an hour. I end up doing a brisk walk instead. Mid way along the reservoir path I extended my hiking stick to help propel myself a bit rather than let it hang as a dead weight.

Only after I exited from the reservoir then I retracted my hiking in its storage position. While doing this, a cyclist coming from behind me was caught by the stick's handle. He almost fell because I was holding the stick tightly with two hand to release the locking system.

The trip ended back at the Jurong East MRT (actually at Jcube).

There were very little people using the path at the time I was there. Partially due to the fact that half of the path is next to industrial buildings. The other quarter of the path is next to the Pandan River. Only one quarter is housing board buildings. Moreover, this place is 2 KM from the nearest MRT not a convenient meeting place to go.

There is only one picture worthy of showing. The two plants that I took pictures of  is listed just for fun. One thing is that the Common Asystasia picture is very clear.

You can see the recorded route here at WikiLoc.

Please don't look at the bing map. It is showing that I walked across water at the western end of the reservoir. The Pandan river is broken into two. One short one near the coast and the other end actually joins to Pandan Reservoir. This map is probably WW2 map. The pandan reservoir exists decades ago. I am surprised that it has a location tag of the place that has over 9000 "likes".

Bedok Reservoir

This trip is chosen for a first "nature walk". It means more attention is paid to the flora of the area. I am not a botanist and thus the flora names I found may not be correct. At least I put an effort to find it. Will correct the wrong name as I get more familiar in future trips. As the saying 万事起头难 indicates, it is always difficult to start something new especially when there is no guidance available. All my life I did a lot of learning without helps (not even going for courses). This is just another challenge I am taking up.

The trip starts from Tanah Merah MRT. This is not the MRT that is closest to the reservoir. It is chosen because it has a PCN that runs along a river. Tampines MRT is the nearest one that has PCN link all the way. From Google Map street view, the PCN may not have much vegetation.

The actual route starts at Bedok PC. A faded sign board shows you the location.

At the time when I started, the river is at its low tide. I can see only mud.

Along this stretch of the PC, there is not much vegetation. However, if you look down on the floor beside the track, there are grass growing and tiny flowers are available. The first one I took a picture of is Creeping Rulellia.

Looking backwards, I found a Coat button flower.

These two are very common flowers. You probably seen Touch-me-not flower (Mimosa). The leaves will fold up if you touch it.

This one looks similar like one but I don't think it is Mimosa.

Katumbi Jantan is another flower that lies on the floor in this area.

Further down, I found some grass that is slightly taller. It is probably called Piedmont Flatsedge.

Chinese Violet is a very tiny flower. Too me a long time to find the correct focus. Previous efforts in other trips all fail to focus properly.

Elephant Creeper is also a common flower. 

Wild Water Lemon flower looks nice. Unfortunately, this picture seems to have over exposure on the flower. Its a purplish flower.

Another Mimosa look alike. It is called Wild Tamarind.

I found a Bangalow palm between two streets. There will be some more picture of the same palm tree.

This plant is so similar to other plants so much so that I really not sure if this is a Golden trumpet tree.

This fruit tree is the most difficult to name. I am yet to find a match for its name. Many tree fruits look like this one. It is just too difficult finding the correct one from pictures. Possibly called Rukam.

I have seen this Rumput Tembaga Jantan plant since I am young. Never knew its name till now.

Creeping Ruelli is another creeper whose flower is tiny.

Yet another Mimosa look alike plant although the flower is yellow color. It is called Mimosa punctata. The Chinese name 假含羞草 is literally "false Mimosa".

Hairy Spurge is a common plants also but like others above, it may be unnoticed.

Thai Pea Eggplant is not that common.

Navua Sedge is another grass plant that is largely ignored. This one grows besides a fence.

A few more Balglow Palm picture shows its flower, fruit and pod. It grows beside the pedestrian bridge thus I could take the pictures from up close.

Another Golden Trumpet. This one is a shrub that grows on the pedestrian bridge itself.

Kelat Nasi Nasi flower looks so unique but took a long time to find the name. It is a tree. Again took it at close range.

Red Powderpuff tree flower is so hard to take. This one is at ground level. Focusing is slightly out.

I like to eat Kangkong but have never seen the flower. I hope the name is correct for this flower.

This plant's name elude me all the way. Probably called Copper plant but Copper plant are large shrubs. This one is is just about 30cm tall. Similar color plants have this name Purpleleaf Sand Cherry. Currently it is too small to guage.

Another shrub also eludes my name search effort. Just too many similar looking leaves around. Possibly a Charlotte Shefflera.

Water Jasmine is a nice plant with quite small flower.

The Tampines PC ends here.

Fire Bush flower looks like cigar flower. I am not very sure if this is the correct name.

Caricature plant name is so hard to find till I found one with the same kind of flower.

Finally reached the reservoir.

Forget-Me-Not flower looked so nice. No wonder its name is such. This is the clearest picture I ever took of the same flower.

Pink bindweed flower is big. Still not very sure of the name as I did not take the plant leaf at close up to match.

Licuala peltata var. sumawongii is probably called Fan Palm. I am not sure neither name match.

Maidenhair Fern is quite nice. Unfortunately the focus is out. Probably due to shaky hand.

Scarlet Spiral Flag plant has so many look alikes. I really am not sure.

This pebble path leads to a fence with no walk around path. Wonder why NPark had such poorly designed PCN path.

There is a netting all along this side of the reservoir. Probably put up to give the private condos some privacy. This is the inner path which is not PCN.

Tembusu, Ironwood tree flower is also one confusing name to find. Its one of the 10 most common trees in Singapore.

Kanari Nut Tree fruit looks like any other fruit. I am really not sure of its name correctness.

Orange Jasmine flower looks nice.

There is a bridged path over the water.

Handkerchief Tree really look like one.

Saw the efforts to go green. This one uses solar panel to assist in lighting.

How nice if the whole path looks like this.

A panoramic view of part of the reservoir.

I was wondering what is this thing doing in here. Till I walked further down.

They are created for tree climbing sport called "Forest Adventure". You need to pay to play with it.

A long panoramic view of the lake again. This time looking across the river.

This tree is called Blue juniper tree or is it.

I am really not sure of most of the names that I found. After all, it is a layman's effort to find the name of the fauna. Anyhow, it is fun looking up names. In the process, I really come to know so many plants and flowers.

On the way back, saw this black snake. By the time I took the picture, the snake's head is already inside the drain. Dare not get closer as it might be poisonous. Can't match its name against the fauna list of NParks. 

One last picture I took is the Egyptian Finger Grass. The picture is taken near a fence.

As I go along the PC, it starts to drizzle, then getting heavier and heavier. I had to take shelter at a bus stop along Upper Changi Road. Waited for the rain to stop for almost one hour. Finally gave up and call it quits. Took bus service No 10 to Tampines MRT to close the event.

The recorded GPS track is as follows.

http://www.wikiloc.com/wikiloc/view.do?id=4738258

I would suggest you use the map view of Picasa Web Album to find the exact location of the plants and flowers here.

https://picasaweb.google.com/106611639464075912591/BedokReservoir#