It wasn’t a typical Sunday morning in Singapore’s Civic District. Freed of cars and the normal motorised traffic, claim to the streets was laid instead by hundreds of cyclists, joggers, walkers and roller-bladers for what was Singapore’s first Car-free Sunday.
The first of six car-free Sundays planned for the last Sunday of each month from February, the initiative aims to promote a car-lite culture in Singapore. Organised by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in partnership with the National Parks Board (NParks), National Arts Council (NAC), Health Promotion Board (HPB) and Sport Singapore (SportSG), the event also saw a buzz come to some of the Civic District’s public spaces.
One public space that came alive was the newly completed Empress Lawn at Empress Place. The lawn, part of a Civic District public space enhancement drive initiated by the URA, was a venue for temporary food stalls and mass exercise sessions – the food stalls perhaps a reminder of days when good and affordable food – now missing from much of the Civic District, had been one of the draws of the Empress Place area.
A closed St. Andrew’s Road at first light.
Representatives from the organisers together with Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister of Transport, Khaw Boon Wan and Minister for National Development, Lawrence Wong on the steps of City Hall for the flag-off.
Car-free Anderson Bridge.
Robinson Road, which was partially closed.
On Robinson Road. Minister Khaw Boon Wan and Minister Lawrence Wong who both cycled two rounds around a car-free circuit.
The dogs had their day too.
The flag-off for the Love Cycling in Singapore group.
URA CEO Ng Lang and Francis Chu of Love Cycling Singapore at the flag-off.
Temporary tables and benches set up at Empress Lawn.
The buzz at Empress Lawn.
Mass aerobics at Empress Lawn.
Mr Khaw Boon Wan at Empress Lawn.
Public art on the lawn – giant saga seeds.
A roller-blader, a jogger and a cyclist coming down St. Andrew’s Road.
Filed under: Collyer Quay, Events, New Singapore, Singapore
