bike and work, get there without a sweat!

Folding bikes: your first steps!

So you've got yourself a brilliant folding bike to combine sports and transport on your daily journeys. Congrats! Now, what's next? Read on for our advice on getting started!

INTERMODAL CYCLING: YOUR FIRST STEPS!

Plan the journey

In Singapore, it is convenient to utilise a folding bike as you commute with public transport. MRTs here are folding-bike friendly and this method of travel can help lessen your commute time!

Before heading out, you should make a few preparations. First, decide on your route so you know where you're going before you get onto the saddle. 

Combining different forms of transport, think about the best way to get to your destination in terms of time and distance.

Things to think about:

- Are there any park connectors or cycling lanes on your route?

- If you're taking a car: Where and when will you park it to minimise car park charges and heavy traffic? Can you easily set off on your bike from the car park?

- If you're taking public transport: Which stop will you catch the bus or train from? How long does it take for you to arrive there by bike?

Pro-tip: When fully folded, all Tilt folding bikes, conform to LTA requirements to be no larger than 120x70x40cm when bringing them onboard buses and trains.

intermodal folding bike

Storing your bike

Planning to ride to work? Think about where you could stash it. If you're lucky enough to have your own office or cubicle, no problem! If you're hotdesking or your job doesn't require being at a desk, speak to the office or building admin to see if there is a secure place to store your bike.

Thanks to our humid weather, you might break into a sweat while riding to work. Bring a change of clothes and shower gel if your office has shower facilities. 

Otherwise, search for "waterless body wash" products which are essentially wet wipes for the body.

How To: Commuting with a Folding Bike and Public Transport

Tilt 500 folding bike

Looking to get a folding bike? The Tilt 500 is one of the best choices out there!

Not only is it lightweight, it also conforms to LTA regulations for bringing on board buses and trains when fully folded. Also comes with 7 speeds, kickstand and fenders!

bike and work, get there without a sweat!

Your first steps

They say you never forget how to ride a bike, but if it's been a while since you last cycled, test ride your new folding bike out before going out into rush hour traffic. This will allow you to adjust your bike and be comfortable with pedaling, braking, and routes.

To ensure you can react quickly on public transport if needed, practice folding and unfolding the bike until it almost becomes second nature as well.

Got those in the bag? Got your route sorted? Now you're ready to set off on a new adventure! Think about getting equipped with a spare tube (and learning how to change it) - that might just save the day in the event you need to get to an appointment and meet with a flat tire. 

Allow a little extra time for your time estimates, test the planned route, and discover your journey from a new angle!

intermodal folding bike

Equip yourself

Sports will now be a part of your daily routine and you should dress accordingly! If you are bringing a change of clothes, dress in suitable gear for cycling. 

Besides apparel, there are also some gear and accessories that we recommend - some are essential (like helmets) and others are good to have, depending on your situation.

- For safety: Helmet, visibility & lighting accessories

- For bad weather: Jacket, poncho and rain trousers

- For your daily necessities: Backpack for your laptop & clothes

Pro-tip: Get a folding bike handlebar bag to keep your everyday carry items (phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses) handy and within reach during your journey.

Easy does it

Intermodal cycling is a sport in itself. You need to put effort into not overestimating your abilities on initial rides, so take it slow. 

If you find that you're out of breath or if weather conditions have really gone downhill, your folded bike means you can easily hop on a train or bus instead. 

There's no point in forcing yourself to pedal on, you'll suffer the consequences of tiring yourself out and losing enthusiasm!

How To: Commuting with a Folding Bike and Public Transport

Bike-friendly malls in singapore

Thinking of cycling to a mall on the weekends? Here is a list of bike-friendly malls in Singapore:

- Velocity@Novena (bicycle racks on first floor)
- Kallang Wave Mall (bicycle racks at Exit A and Exit B of Stadium MRT)
- Tampines Mall (tons of cycle paths around the area)
- Funan Mall (indoor cycling path – just for kicks!)

How To: Commuting with a Folding Bike and Public Transport

The impact of living car-free: co2 emissions and calories burnt

Commuting with a folding bike doesn't just help with getting in more exercise time, it also helps with significantly lowering CO2 emissions!

Cycling for an hour burns between 450 - 750 calories, which is THREE times the amount of calories that driving to your destination does – so what's not to love about it?

There you have it – an introduction on how to use a folding bike to complement your public transport commute in Singapore!

Not only will it help you lead a healthier lifestyle and cut down on carbon emissions for a greener way of living, you'll also get to discover so many scenic routes along the way – it's a win win all around!

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