SINGAPORE : Cyclists will be allowed to bring foldable bicycles on board all trains and public buses, in a six-month trial.

This is an initiative by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in a study to meet the transport needs of diverse groups of people.

The trial period is from May 24 to November 24 this year.

Foldable bicycles will be allowed on MRT trains every weekday during off-peak hours and on SBS and SMRT buses on weekends and public holidays.

The trial is one of several initiatives announced during the Land Transport Review. The Review recognises an increasing trend of people cycling for sports, recreation or as a means of transport.

Although the move gives cyclists more convenience, LTA spokesman Jeremy Yap said public safety must still come first.

He said, "Cyclists and other commuters are encouraged to be considerate and make way for one another, so that more people can use our public transport system to meet their needs."

During the trial, public transport staff can stop a cyclist from boarding a bus or train if the cyclist is unable to comply with given guidelines.

The LTA and operators will monitor and review the initiative after the trial period.

For more information on the guidelines, members of the public can go to http://www.lta.gov.sg, call LTA at 1800-225-5582, or email to feedback@lta.gov.sg - CNA/ms