Singapore is taking a significant step towards becoming a more pedestrian-friendly city. By 2026, 10 key areas across the island will be transformed into “Friendly Streets,” a move announced by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on January 14.
This initiative will see construction starting in the first half of 2025, focusing on making streets safer, greener, and more inclusive for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
Here’s why this will be important for Singapore’s commuters.
What are Friendly Streets?
Singaporeans have long relied on public transport, walking, and cycling as primary modes of commuting. With the island’s robust MRT network and bus services, many find it convenient to ditch cars altogether.
However, the current road infrastructure often prioritises vehicles, making it challenging for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate certain areas.
The Friendly Streets initiative aims to revamp selected high-traffic areas to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists over vehicles.
These streets will feature barrier-free crossings, raised zebra crossings, and green-coloured road surfaces to encourage drivers to slow down. The project also includes road humps and extended green man crossing times to make commuting safer for seniors and children.
Based on the LTA website, locations were chosen based on high pedestrian flow and proximity to essential amenities such as markets, MRT stations, and schools. The 10 estates selected are:
| Locations | Roads |
| Bedok | Bedok North Street 2 (0.9 km) |
| Buangkok | Buangkok Cresent (1 km) |
| Bukit Panjang | Bangkit Road / Bukit Panjang Ring Road / Pending Road (1.2 km) |
| Choa Chu Kang | Choa Chu Kang Avenue 2 (0.7 km) |
| Holland / Buona Vista | Holland Avenue / Drive, Holland Village Way, Lorong Liput (2 km) |
| Jurong East | Jurong East Street 24 (0.7 km) |
| Pek Kio | Owen Road, Cambridge Road, Kent Road, Dorset Road, Gloucester Road (1.7 km) |
| Punggol | Punggol Drive (1.7 km) |
| Sembawang | Admiralty Drive, Sembawang Drive / Way / Vista / Alley (1.6 km) |
| Tiong Bahru | Havelock Road (between Zion Road and Lower Delta Road) / Indus Road (1 km) |
Each estate will receive tailored features to address its own needs, ensuring a localised approach to enhancing urban mobility.
Why it matters
The Friendly Streets initiative isn’t entirely new. It began in 2023 with pilot projects in five towns: Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Batok West, Tampines, Toa Payoh, and West Coast.
With the exception of Tampines, the pilots in all the towns have been completed.
According to the LTA, these pilots have been well received, with nine out of ten residents reporting improved walking and cycling experiences.
The Friendly Streets initiative is part of a larger effort by the LTA to make Singapore less vehicle-centric. By redesigning roads to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists, the city-state is taking tangible steps towards a car-lite future.
As someone who frequently uses public transport, I’ve noticed a growing appreciation for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. It’s heartening to see Singapore actively investing in solutions that promote sustainability and inclusivity.
While there’s still work to be done, the future looks promising. With more streets becoming pedestrian-friendly, Singaporeans can look forward to safer, greener, and more enjoyable commutes.
Let’s hope that this initiative will also inspire more cities to rethink their approach to urban mobility. After all, a walkable city is a liveable city.
Featured Image Credit: Land Transport Authority
