Safe integration of active mobility modes into Singapore’s transport ecosystem

Published on 21st October, 2024

In line with the vision of a safe, inclusive and sustainable transport system laid out in the Land Transport Plan 2040, Singapore will make Active Mobility Devices (AMDs) an essential part of its future transport system.

A pilot project, which began in February 2022, is using Aimsun transport simulation to better understand the impact of AMDs and evaluate potential options for integrating them into Singapore’s transport ecosystem in a safe and complementary manner.

Aimsun is working on the pilot project in collaboration with Yunex Traffic (formerly part of Siemens Mobility), the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and its affiliated club, the Automobile Association of Singapore (AA Singapore). 

This pilot project aims to create a harmonious environment that encourages safe adoption of AMDs, which include bicycles, e-bikes, scooters and personal mobility devices such as motorised wheelchairs. Urban active mobility brings great advantages for sustainability, quality of life and efficiency but its planning and execution requires careful study to avoid inadvertently creating safety issues for road users. 

The pilot project involves a transport simulation study of different neighbourhoods in Singapore, including Bedok-Chai Che, Ang Mo Kio and Marina South. These areas were selected for their diverse environments, ranging from industrial and commuting zones to leisure and high pedestrian footfall areas.

The study is supported by data from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore and Aimsun simulation, and has provided valuable insights into the impact of AMDs and how potential infrastructural changes could enhance the safety of the interactions between AMDs and other road users. 

Key findings from the study: 
  • In Bedok-Chai Chee, it was found that widening existing shared paths for AMDs may cause safety issues as they can encourage higher speeds. Segregated paths for cyclists and pedestrians are recommended to enhance safety. 
Bedok-Chai Chee
  • In Ang Mo Kio, removing intersection slip roads increased vehicle delays but significantly improves safety for users of AMDs by reducing potential collision points. 
Ang Mo Kio
  • In Marina South, dedicated on-road bicycle lanes, together with bicycle boxes are a fast and economical solution for minimising conflicts, especially when combined with a pre-signal for the on-road cyclists. 
Marina South

The findings from this study are helping to shape future urban and road infrastructure in Singapore, making it a safer and more inclusive city for all. 

Moving forward, urban planners and traffic engineers can adopt a simulation tool to compare different scenarios to check and determine if the proposed infrastructure changes / policy changes are worth pursuing, as compared to what is presently available. It also offers a platform to determine the efficacy of planned infrastructure changes aimed at tackling active mobility safety issues.

To learn more, contact Karen Cheung via LinkedIn

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Cite Aimsun Next

Aimsun Next 24

Aimsun (2024). Aimsun Next 24 User’s Manual, Aimsun Next Version 24.0.0, Barcelona, Spain. Accessed on: April. 16, 2024. [Online].

Available: https://docs.aimsun.com/next/24.0.0/

Aimsun Next 24

@manual {AimsunManual,
title = {Aimsun Next 24 User’s Manual},
author = {Aimsun},
edition = {Aimsun Next 24.0.0},
address = {Barcelona, Spain},
year = {2024. [Online]},
month = {Accessed on: Month, Day, Year},
url = {https://docs.aimsun.com/next/24.0.0},
}​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Aimsun Next 24

TY – COMP
T1 – Aimsun Next 24 User’s Manual
A1 – Aimsun
ET – Aimsun Next Version 24.0.0
Y1 – 2024
Y2 – Accessed on: Month, Day, Year
CY – Barcelona, Spain
PB – Aimsun
UR – [In software]. Available:
https://docs.aimsun.com/next/24.0.0/