Bike to the future

TNP PHOTO: BENJAMIN SEETOR

WHEN a taxi caught fire in the Kampong Java tunnel along the Central Expressway on April 24, it caused a massive jam that threatened to trap hundreds of motorists.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) sent a red rhino and a fire engine to fight the blaze, but like many of the other motorists, they too, got stuck in the traffic jam.

Fortunately, one SCDF firefighter on a three-wheeler fire bike was able to weave past stranded vehicles to get to the site to get the blaze under control.

A new addition since April, the three-wheeler Italian-made fire bike is gradually replacing existing two-wheeler bikes for the SCDF.

The three-wheelers are more stable to ride than two-wheelers and are easier to park – an advantage when responders are rushing to save lives.