Part 3 : Result and Discussion

3.0 Result and Discussion

3.1 Outcome

Suitability Map of New Cycling Path

The Suitability Map (shown above) generated from ArcMap shows the spatial analysis for the best area to have new cycling path to improve the connectivity of Tampines. The best area is indicated with dark green and the less desirable area with red.

3.2 Recommendation

From the analysis, it can be seen from the Suitability Map that the most suitable area for having a new cycling path is at a neighbourhood park near Tampines Avenue 5. 

Recommended location for new cycling path

After incorporating the site condition, it is found that a new bicycle path (indicated in orange on Suitability Map) could be built along Tampines Avenue 5. This could benefit the cyclists living nearby and improve connectivity to the rest of the region.

In addition, another cycling path (indicated in red) could be established next to the industrial cluster at Tampines Street 92. This could facilitate the existing working adults that commute via cycling and also encourage more working adults to adopt cycling as a way to commute.

3.3 Limitations

First, it is expected that the results may not accurately depicts the actual condition due to inadequate data that leads to a certain degree of bias. Assumptions will have to be made. For instance, site specific attributes such as gradient, traffic condition, type of pavement and demographic data is likely to influence the demand for bicyclist needs and choice of cycling routes.

Second, due to time constraints and difficulty in data collection especially sensitive data such as topography and etc from local authorities, the research team had to compromise our selection of site- from initial choice in Bukit Timah that has uneven topography to Tampines New Town which has relatively uniform topography.

As such, we were unable to incorporate the relevant factors into the model, which could have enhanced our findings and analyses. As a result, we had to propose a simpler model to meet our grading assessment.

3.4 Implications

By leveraging on the spatial capability of GIS, this study is able to identify suitable routes to improve the connectivity for cyclists with minimal extension of path. However, the desired deliverable of this study is to establish a path suitability model so as to assist the road planners to determine the appropriate routes to construct or simply convert existing pavements to designated cycling paths. It is not meant to replace the traditional methodology e.g. site survey.

Despite the fact that GIS is capable of incorporating spatially disaggregated data into the map to demonstrate certain patterns, the usefulness of the spatial analysis is still highly influenced by the quality of data. 

Continue to Part 4 : Conclusion