Infrastructure is what you make of it
This morning, I forced myself out of bed to head to work (I have been nursing a throat infection and been having fitful sleep) and since I was running late, I had to quickly pack my stuff and head out.on my bike. The thing about riding is that after a few minutes on the bike the body feels energized and ready for the day. So I had a good ride up to work and as I was preparing to park, I realized I had forgotten my lock.
Now, my work place has safety rules that prohibits cycling inside the premises and even if it was allowed, the narrow turnstile would not allow my bike to pass though. So I was in a quandary. I had three options:
- Leave the bike unlocked, hoping no one would notice (I was not prepared to do this, although it was still an option)
- Head back home, take the day off (dodgy proposition, I had taken the previous day off and had work piled up)
- Head to a bike shop and buy a new lock (but I did not know where to go).
Then the solution struck me. I realized I am about a couple of Km’s from the bike boutique. This is a nice little bike shop downtown that sells very expensive racing and triathlon bikes. But funnily enough, they provide bike park service. Even better, they let you park you bike and take a shower too. My brother parks there on a regular basis and I figured given the situation, they might accommodate me too.
I rode my bike there and the fellers were very pleasant and let me park and use their facilities for 10 bucks. Yes the cost looks high but given my situation and facing the prospect of taking the day off, I think the price is nominal. The better part of the pricing is that when one signs up for monthly or quarterly packages, the price comes down significantly. The service is great and the shower was nice too. Made me wish I was working downtown. Well in my current work place, I get a good shower too and have worked out my logistical issues very well and would not need to use the parking facility at bike boutique often. But it is nice to know that in case of emergency, I have some place to go to.
Now who said biking is inconvenient in Singapore?
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June 3rd, 2008 17:46
First option is an option, but to park for 1 full day is not recommended. I had forgotten to lock my bike a couple of times but was lucky enough not losing it.
A forth option is to head to any shop that sells locks. E.g. those cheap stuff shops, hardware shops, DIY shops, and even some NTUC.
For emergency, you might consider having a spare lock installed on the bike, or carry in your bag, or even at your work place.
June 10th, 2008 13:46
I was trying to impress the idea that we have decent facilities in Singapore and it is up to us to make the best use of it. Most of us seem to not bother with cycling as a valid alternativ and those who understant it can be a feasible alternative want to brush the topic away with excuses.