Singapore has long been praised for its efficiency, from its spotless streets to its world-class public transportation system. Beyond its trains and buses, the city-state has earned another title, "one of the most walkable cities in Asia."
Ranked 16th in the world and the only Southeast Asian country on Time Out’s list of “Most Walkable Cities,” Singapore proves that an efficient urban life doesn’t have to depend on cars. So, what makes Singapore a truly walkable city and what lessons can other cities learn from it?
Why Walkability Matters
A walkable city prioritizes people over vehicles. It’s a place where walking is safe, comfortable, and convenient — not just for leisure but as part of daily life. Beyond improving public health, walkability helps cut carbon emissions, boost small businesses, and create vibrant public spaces.
Nearly 80 percent of residents surveyed by Time Out in Singapore described their walking experience as “good” or “amazing.” This reflects the city's well-designed infrastructure and sense of safety, both day and night. Singapore shows that this level of comfort and accessibility is possible, with policy consistency, investment, and a people-first mindset.
But what exactly makes this small island nation stand out as one of Asia’s leading examples of a walkable city? From its planning philosophy to community-driven programs, Singapore has built a model that other urban centers — especially those in Southeast Asia — can adapt to create safer, more connected streets for everyone.
1. Plan for Pedestrians First
Singapore’s transformation into a walkable city began with a simple principle that pedestrians come first. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) ensures that every major neighborhood and transport hub is connected through safe, well-paved, and shaded walkways.
According to the joint publication Walkable and Bikeable Cities: Lessons from Seoul and Singapore by the Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC) and The Seoul Institute, Singapore’s Walk2Ride Programme was a key milestone.
The program built sheltered paths within 400 meters of MRT stations, bus interchanges, schools, and community centers, making walking part of daily commutes even under the city’s tropical sun.
2. Integrate Walking and Cycling with Public Transport
No one walks everywhere, but everyone walks somewhere. Recognizing this, Singapore has designed its public transport system to work in harmony with walking and cycling.
Intra-town cycling paths and pedestrian walkways connect homes to MRT stations and bus stops. This makes the “first and last mile” of travel easier and more efficient.
As noted in the joint publication by the Centre for Liveable Cities and The Seoul Institute, this integration is a cornerstone of Singapore’s transport policy. It ensures that every commute begins and ends with a comfortable walk.
The seamless design reduces reliance on private vehicles and encourages citizens to combine walking, cycling, and public transit. Together, these elements form the backbone of a truly walkable city.
3. Create People-oriented Public Spaces
Singapore’s streets aren’t just for cars, they’re spaces for life. In dense urban areas, reclaiming road space for people transforms the city’s social fabric. The Civic District, for example, was redesigned to host flexible events, such as concerts, art festivals, and National Day parades.
The popular Club Street and Circular Road closures turn vehicle-heavy areas into pedestrian-only zones on weekends, bringing energy to cafes, restaurants, and night markets. These projects show that a walkable city also means a livable one, where streets double as community gathering spaces.
4. Start Small Projects
Becoming a walkable city doesn’t require massive overhauls overnight. Singapore’s pilot program at Club Street began as a temporary street closure, but its success led to wider implementation.
Businesses thrived and residents benefited from more open, walkable spaces. In response, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) launched the Streets for People initiative, empowering communities to propose their own pedestrian-friendly zones.
Small-scale experiments like weekend street markets or temporary car-free zones can showcase the benefits of walkability. These initiatives also help build public support, a crucial step for cities moving away from car dependence.
5. Incentivize Private Developers
Singapore also brings the private sector into its walkable city vision. The government guides and rewards developers who include pedestrian-friendly and cyclist-friendly designs.
Along Orchard Road, shopping malls are seamlessly connected to public walkways, MRT stations, and one another. This creates an uninterrupted pedestrian network that makes walking both convenient and enjoyable.
Policies like the Walking and Cycling Plan (WCP) require new major developments to include paths, bike parking, and showers, ensuring that the pedestrian experience extends beyond public spaces into private ones.
6. Involve and Empower Communities
Ultimately, a walkable city is sustained by its people. Singapore’s Streets for People program allows residents to take the lead, proposing closures, organizing local events, and fostering civic ownership. When communities shape their own spaces, they’re more likely to maintain and protect them, creating a long-term culture of walkability.
7. Making Walkable Cities Work with Rules
Good design alone isn’t enough. Singapore’s car-free areas succeed because rules are enforced consistently. Illegal parking or unauthorized vehicle use in pedestrian zones, such as in Club Street, is closely monitored.
The government initially enforces the regulations, then gradually transfers responsibility to local communities. This approach builds civic ownership and ensures the sustainability of people-friendly spaces. Strong enforcement complements good planning, making sure that the spirit of a walkable city is preserved in daily practice.
Singapore’s journey to becoming one of Asia’s most walkable cities didn’t happen overnight. It took vision, planning, and collaboration between the government and citizens.
Its success reminds us that a great city isn’t one where cars move faster, it’s one where people love to walk, cycle, and connect. Because when streets belong to people, cities come alive.
Sources:
https://www.timeout.com/singapore/news/singapore-is-officially-one-of-the-most-walkable-cities-in-the-world-042125
https://knowledgehub.clc.gov.sg/publications-library/walkable-and-bikeable-cities-lessons-from-seoul-and-singapore
