The study said the crossings "prioritise the right of way for pedestrians or cyclists at minor intersections and slip lanes, allowing for greater continuity of movement".
This is not the first idea from the study to be taken on board. Other ideas adopted include narrowing road lanes to slow down traffic.
Kembangan residents say the new feature has deterred speedsters. "Sometimes, cars just turn and speed in. Now, I notice they are more cautious," said civil servant Mary Tan, 50, who brisk-walks on the park connector daily.
Domestic worker Eli Widiyawati, 28, who cycles twice weekly along the park connector to get to the nearby market, agrees. "It's very convenient - we don't have to get off the bike to cross the road now."
But some motorists feel the new crossings might create confusion. "If the idea is to give pedestrians right of way, then they should make it a zebra crossing. Now, it's a bit of a grey area," said cabby Ng Kok Chye, 49.
Still, experts said the new crossings make road junctions safer.
Mr Francis Chu, co-founder of cycling group LoveCyclingSG, said road junctions are potential conflict zones and accidents often happen because users do not have time to react to the unexpected. "In that sense, this gives all users more time to negotiate this conflict zone."
Dr Alexander Erath, a transport researcher at the Singapore-ETH Future Cities Laboratory, believes measures like this provide more direct connections for cyclists and pedestrians, adding that people spend considerable travelling time walking or waiting for public transport.
"There is huge potential to improve conditions," he said. "This is one clear policy measure that brings us in this direction."
