Just a few decades ago, bicycles were the vehicles for the not so well-to-do.
Initially introduced as a mode of transportation for British colonial officers, bicycles gradually became more widespread among the local population.
By the 1920s and 1930s, bicycles were commonly used by many workers as a practical and affordable means of transport.
During World War II, the Japanese army famously used bicycles in the invasion of Malaya. It was a brilliant move as pedal power is extremely reliable, requiring minimal maintenance compared to trucks and motorcycles.
Bicycles also did not require fuel, so during the Japanese Occupation from 1942 to 1945, fuel shortages made bicycles indispensable to travel and moving goods.
When I was growing up in the 1960s, nearly every family had a bicycle – usually a model from the Raleigh Bicycle Company.
On his trusty – and rusty – Raleigh, I remember my grandfather cycling from Rosyth Road, which is near Serangoon North, to Little India and back on some Sundays for his shopping. A journey that would be about 30km.
Over the years, bicycles lost ground to cars and became mere playthings for children.
Not any more, as increasing numbers of adults are taking up cycling these days, often in brightly-coloured skin-tight outfits.
My friend Ronald is one of these enthusiasts and often does 40km on some mornings but unburdened by several kilos of chicken or mutton, potatoes, onions and what else that goes into the grandparents’ curry dish of that Sunday.
Modern bikes are state-of-the art, often constructed of some lightweight alloy and featuring a multitude of gears that would leave my granddad scratching his head.
A basic road model costs between $4,000 and $5,000, while high-end versions can reach $35,000 or more.
Meanwhile, the Land Transport Authority has expanded the Park Connector Network which has made cycling safer and more appealing for both leisure and commuting.
I know of a German chef who would cycle from Tampines to his workplace at a Sentosa hotel and back five days a week, rain or shine.
Local cyclists, however, only go out to play in good weather, usually in the early morning of weekends and public holidays.
They also seem to prefer the roads and this has resulted in motorists complaining about groups of cyclists hogging lanes.
This has not slowed down the cycling craze. Neither has police enforcement, or an accident or two.
A year ago, a former colleague fell and fractured his jaw and smashed half of his teeth while riding on a road one morning.
For a few weeks, he resembled Frankenstein with the stitches around his lips, but the doctors did a good job, and he is okay now.
Guess what? He’s back in the saddle. He says that the rhythmic motion of pedalling is soothing and enhances his physical and mental well-being.
The Land Transport Authority has now also curated a series of #ExploreSGRide cycling routes that feature scenic views and some iconic landmarks.
That will definitely inspire more people to merrily pedal off.
