Pedaling from third world to first: a cultural, economic, and political history of cycling in Singapore 1875-2021

Abstract

Despite substantial government promotion of bicycling in Singapore, uptake of cycling by commuters and the public acceptance of bicycling as legitimate mode of transportation remains low. This essay argues that Singapore’s attitude towards bicycles has deep historical, social, and political roots. In particular, the rapid modernization of the city state -- and consequently speedy rise of modern transportation infrastructure -- led to the marginalization of cyclists socially, economically, and politically. As a consequence, integrating bicycles more fully into the transportation infrastructure will require shifting economic and ethnic structures. Conversely, understanding the place of the bicycle in Singapore society can shed light on Singapore’s class and social stratification.