Jul 29, 2016

Top 8 Family-friendly Cycling Spots in Singapore

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By now, after reading my previous two posts (HERE and HERE) on the all-new 7-seater Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4L MIVEC, you will already know that I (and the monkies) love the car! In fact, I dread the day when I have to hand the keys back to Cycle and Carriage.


Because besides sporting a modern, sophisticated and sporty on-road presence, the Outlander is truly a Beast at heart with a new-look 18-inch alloy wheel design that completes the imposing exterior.


But above all, the Outlander is thoroughly suited for the family and perhaps the most definitive proof is its huge boot space.


With the third row of seats fully up, the boot space is already big enough to accommodate a folded stroller and a few shopping bags. Need extra space? Lay the third row of seats with a simple pull of a lever. More space, you say? The second row of seats can collapse too to form a large and level cargo area.


Evidently, the attraction of providing generous boot space in the Outlander comes in the flexibility of the seating arrangement, with both the second and third row of seats being able to fold flat. And as you can see, the second row is configured with a 60/40 split to effortlessly accommodate sports gear, bulkier prams, and luggage.

Space is definitely not an issue in the Outlander at all. The second row of seats is very comfortable and spacious and even for the third row seats, they do feel like proper chairs and not only for kids.


Oh, and did I mention that the car comes with a power tailgate too? Funnily, it is one of those things that you never thought you would ever need it but now that I have a taste of the convenience that it brings, I can never seem to live without it.


I have lost count of the number of times that I have my hands full with stuff but I could still raise or lower the tailgate with a single push of a button!

And speaking of pushing, the monkies have been pushing - or more like prodding - me to bring them on a cycling outing for the longest time. But I have been putting it off simply because my current car is not able to fit both the boys' bicycles.


Well, not with the Mitsubishi Outlander.


Thanks to its exceptional boot space, I was able to load up both of the boys' bicycles together with Ale's pedal-less bicycle into the car and off we went to Pasir Ris Park to burn some calories!


I love bringing the monkies to cycle at Pasir Ris Park for a couple of reasons. The most important one has got to be it is fairly less crowded compared to other parks. And by that, I mean there are lesser people who are either cycling, blading or scooting along the pathways... always welcome especially for kids who have just mastered the skill of cycling.

Also, the rental rates at the bicycle kiosk at the park are pretty affordable and if you go on weekday, you can rent a bicycle for 2 hours at the price of 1 hour. And that was just what the wifey and I did, as we accompanied the monkies on a cycling workout around the park.


Well, we did get ambushed by the playground structures along the way.


And if you are planning to bring your little ones for some cycling, blading or scooting fun, here are other places in Singapore that are perfect to do so:

East Coast Park

Let’s get wheeling! Almost the default cycling destination in Singapore, families can rent bicycles and skates at one of the many stops along East Coast Park. From East Coast Park, follow the cycle paths and cycle as far as Bedok Reservoir. You can even rent a bicycle at any of NParks’ pit stops found along the Eastern Coastal Loop (ECL) Park Connector Network and return it at another within each loop without the need to backtrack.


Changi Coastal Road

Most families head to East Coast Park for a day of cycling, blading or scooting but it can get really crowded on weekends. Head to the eastern end of the park, just past the National Sailing Centre and the crowds thin out. Wind through the wooded area and alongside a canal after the NSRCC Sea Sports Centre and emerge onto the Changi Coastal Road path – all on the safety of a Park Connector bike path. This section is wide and well-surfaced, and runs parallel to Changi Airport for an uninterrupted 6km, making it great for a good ride while indulging in some plane-spotting at the same time.

Punggol Waterway

If you want a ride with a gorgeous setting sun as a picturesque backdrop, then Punggol Waterway is the top pick for a leisurely ride. Its smooth, paved cycling tracks will get the kids peddling in no time. Designed with four themes to cater to everyone of all ages, Punggol Water Park has something in store for every visitor. Kids will especially clamour to stop at the Recreation Zone where they can go wild at the huge water play and sand play areas. If there is still energy to expend, head to the nearby 5km long waterfront Punggol Promenade where it links up to the Lorong Halus Wetland via a bridge – a former landfill transformed into a wetland spanning an area of 18 football fields.


Bedok Reservoir Park

For an easier and shorter but still enjoyable ride for the family, head to Bedok Reservoir. The track around the reservoir is straightforward, and consists a mix of pavement and pebbly path. One lap round the reservoir is a mere 4.3km, so it makes good for a leisurely ride, with its gorgeous sunset a bonus if you are there in the evenings. The beauty of the route is the kids are able to stop any time to play, kick a ball, fly a kite or just sit down for a picnic.

Green Corridor

Have older kids and planning to up the challenge? The Green Corridor is a unique stretch of greenery that runs through the whole island of Singapore along the north-south axis, from Woodlands in the north to Tanjong Pagar in the south. The railway tracks have since been removed and the public is currently able to access this green corridor through the city, where people can cycle or run through undisturbed natural greenery. One will hard-pressed to find a more pleasant countryside ride than the Green Corridor. With chirping birds amidst scrubby vegetation and partly shaded by trees, the great thing about the corridor is you can almost access it anywhere along Singapore’s north-south axis. Just plot your route along any part of the stretch using Google Maps.


Bukit Panjang Park Connector

Part of the Western Adventure Cycling Loop, this park connector’s abundant greenery and proximity to well-established parks encourage the presence of a diverse variety of wildlife. Cycle further up to reach Zhenghua Park, where a pleasant retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life awaits. The park’s rugged terrain is the perfect platform for cycling enthusiasts, trail runners and those wanting a good hike. Pockets of vegetation are deliberately left wild to add to the park’s rural charm. Level and smooth, the park connector is a popular cycling route.

Pulau Ubin

For the adventurous at heart who seek something more thrilling, Pulau Ubin is the place to go for a family cycling day trip. The Ketam trail is Singapore’s first purpose built mountain biking trail. From the jetty, ride for about 15 min westwards to reach the trail (follow the road signs). Or if you prefer a more leisurely ride and don’t fancy the extra hassle of taking a bunch of bikes onto the bumboats, you can rent a ride from the numerous outlets at Ubin Jetty. The island is well sign-posted and its network of trails and tracks offer options for beginner and advanced cyclists.


PHEW! With all calories burnt, I figure the next logical step in our adventures with the Mitsubishi Outlander is one that will encompass Singapore's favourite past time - FOOD! And that was precisely what we did. Stay tuned!


In the meantime, feel the power of the beast behind the wheels for yourself - Test drive the Mitsubishi Outlander at a Cycle and Carriage Showroom!

AND HERE'S AN EXCLUSIVE PROMOTION JUST FOR OUR READERS:
Receive $200 worth of service credits from Cycle & Carriage when you book a Mitsubishi and quote ‘Kelvin Outlander’. This promotion is ON TOP of all other prevailing promotions. Promotion ends 31st August 2016.


MITSUBISHI SHOWROOM
239 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159930
Tel: 6473 9722
Showroom Opening Hours: 
Monday to Saturday 8.30 am – 7.00 pm
Sunday & Public Holidays 10.00 am - 6.00 pm


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