Like all underground structures here, MRT stations are built with entrances (or exits) that are raised. You will notice you need to climb a few steps before going down into a station. The same goes for road tunnels and underground carparks – a ramp is built just before the entrance and exit. This construction design safeguards the underground facility from flooding.

But in recent years, the weather has become more extreme. For example, on the afternoon of Dec 23, 2011, about 150mm of rain fell over Orchard Road – an amount usually received in a whole month. The incident damaged property along the shopping belt, including about 40 cars parked in underground carparks which became submerged.

In February 2012, the Land Transport Authority called tenders for flood barriers to be built at six MRT stations in town. In July 2012, tenders were called to fit similar barriers at 11 more stations deemed to be at risk. The barriers can withstand floodwaters of up to 1.5m high.

Today, flood barriers at 35 underground MRT stations have been completed across the network.

“With the completion of these works, all current and future MRT projects, including those on Downtown Line and Thomson-East Coast Line, will meet the requirements for flood protection as specified in PUB’s Code of Practice for surface water drainage,” the LTA said in a statement yesterday.

The attention to flood mitigation is a stark contrast to earlier pronouncements that Singapore was safe from the climate change effects.

christan@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on Feb 25, 2017.
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Most of us had our first taste of freedom on a bike, when at the age of four or five, we explored our neighbourhoods atop a rickety bicycle with training wheels.

Cycling is one of the most exhilarating experiences a child can have but many stop cycling as they get older.

That was certainly the case for me. I picked up cycling again only years later when I was 18.

But coming back to cycling can be intimidating. I remember having many questions such as:

Where can I ride? What kind of bicycle and safety gear should I get? What are the rules I have to follow?

Here are some tips you might find useful.

What kind of cyclist are you? The first question to ask: What do you want to use your bike for?

Are you looking for a speedy road bike or mountain bike to go on the road or trails?

Or do you want a reliable folding bike which you can use for commuting and running errands, and which you can take on the train?

Getting a bike that suits your needs and is the right size for you should be the first consideration.

Visit a bike shop whose employees will be able to help you get the ride you need.

Safety gear

Wearing and having proper safety gear is important. Here is what you need.

1. A HELMET

Singapore has no mandatory helmet laws for cycling.

If you are riding on the road, however, helmets are absolutely essential. They protect your head.

I have had three nasty crashes on the road and, all three times, my helmet took the impact and cracked.

If I had not been wearing one, I might have died or suffered a serious injury.

2. LIGHTS AND VISIBLE CLOTHING

The new Active Mobility Bill passed by Parliament last month will require cyclists to have both front and rear lights when riding at night.

But go one step further and wear bright coloured clothing as well.

Being visible is in your interest.

Both pedestrians and drivers will be able to see you coming and have time to react.

Riding tips

1. KNOW AND OBEY TRAFFIC RULES

At the moment, cyclists do not require a driving licence to ride on the roads but riders should at least know the basic traffic rules.

Mr Steven Lim, president of the Safe Cycling Task Force, says riders need to know three important ones:

• Stop at red lights
• Keep left
• Be aware of traffic around you

2. RIDING AT LOW SPEED

One key skill to master is how to handle your bike at low speeds – it is an important skill that beginners would find useful, whether they are riding in traffic, or navigating crowds on the pavement.

Mr Lim says beginner cyclists often panic when they see crowds.

Knowing that you can handle your bike at low speeds will give you confidence.

You can practise this by setting up a simple circuit in the shape of a square in a carpark and learning how to ride around the tight corners.

Some cycling groups, such as Love Cycling SG, also conduct cycling clinics every so often, and experienced riders there would be able to show you the ropes.

3. RIDING WITH ONE HAND

Once you have mastered that, learning to ride with one hand is next.

This will allow you to put your hand out to signal to drivers or pedestrians, whether you intend to turn left or right, or when you are stopping.

Where can you ride?

People can ride bicycles just about anywhere – on the roads, footpaths, cycling paths and shared paths.

Plan your route

If you are thinking about using your bicycle as a mode of commute or to get somewhere, planning your route is one of the most important things to do.

The National Parks Board has a map of the Park Connector Network on its website which is a good starting point.

It is often better to pick a longer route that has less traffic or one that has dedicated cycling paths.

It might take you a little longer to get to where you want to go but you will be all that much safer. dansonc@sph.com.sg

For more details, read the online version of this guide at http://str.sg/4niV.

This article was first published on Feb 25, 2017.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

Snakes are beautiful, says 18-year-old Kelsie Tan, and there is no reason to doubt her.

After all, she works as a part-time reptile junior keeper at the Singapore Zoo, where she cares for animals such as giant tortoises.

She had just finished her A-level examinations at Raffles Institution (RI) late last year when she learnt of the job opening through a fellow member of the Herpetological Society of Singapore (HSS).

This was an interest group she joined in her first year of junior college, after getting to know about it through well-known nature guide Subaraj Rajathurai, whom she met in Secondary 3 when she went on a study trip he led.

“One of my fellow HSS members received notice from the zoo that their reptile section was hiring part-time keepers,” said Ms Tan. She went for an interview before securing the job.

When asked what she thought the zoo looks for in young first-time keepers, Ms Tan said a passion for animals and their well-being is key. “It is quite hard for someone of my age to actually come in with much background knowledge, as not everyone can get exposure to wildlife at such an early age,” she said.

“They are just looking for someone who is eager to learn.”

However, her involvement in wildlife and conservation extends beyond reptiles.

She aspires to study environmental engineering or environmental studies at the National University of Singapore.

As a junior college student, Ms Tan was part of RI’s Ecological Literacy Programme, an enrichment initiative for nature lovers.

Advised by researchers specialising in civet cats, she wrote a children’s book to debunk misconceptions about the critters with her friends in the programme.

Mr Tan Si Jie, her teacher-mentor in the programme, praised her for her tendency to lead her peers during group activities.

“I think it is her natural character to be passionate about the environment,” noted Mr Tan, who was also her teacher-in-charge in the outdoor adventure club.

He said she was always asking questions, especially during nature walks and field activities.

Told that her choice of job was an unusual one, Ms Tan said one needs to find the courage to follow one’s passions.

“Think more inwardly rather than outwardly, listen to yourself.”

This article was first published on Feb 25, 2017.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.

As a student at Tampines Junior College (TPJC), Mr R. Ramana had a gift for economics and served in multiple leadership posts.

Outside of school, he was his mother’s voice.

Madam Sumathi Meyyappan has been unable to speak or hear since birth and often relies on her son, who is proficient in sign language, to communicate on her behalf.

The 18-year-old full-time national serviceman takes turns with his family members to go with her to the various community events she is invited to. “My mother is independent and takes care of herself,” said Mr Ramana.

His mother, who works as a laboratory assistant in a secondary school, uses writing to communicate with others when she is alone.

His father works at a warehouse, and he has two siblings.

Knowing the challenges faced by his mother helped instil in Mr Ramana a desire to help others. At school, he led the implementation of a service learning project to benefit migrant workers in Singapore after returning from a service learning trip to Vietnam.

But the greatest obstacle Mr Ramana said he faced at TPJC was time management – he was vice-president of the Indian cultural society, orientation group leader and an A division footballer.

Being “not exactly a fast learner” by his own admission, his multiple commitments affected his academic performance. Thankfully, his teachers were there for him, staying well into the night for consultation sessions to help him keep up with his lessons. He did them proud by scoring four distinctions.

Physics teacher Ong Wee Hong said: “Ramana exemplifies maturity, responsibility, diligence and perseverance. He takes initiative over his own learning.”

Mr Ramana also credited his principal, Ms Pamela Yoong, for being “one of the most caring people” he had ever met and added that she always ensured the welfare of students in the school.

When asked about his ambition and plans for the future, he said he would like to study computer engineering on a scholarship and start a technology company.

“My long-term goal is to launch a social enterprise or voluntary welfare organisation to help others.”

hytay@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on Feb 25, 2017.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.