Despite a slight drizzle, the Civic District was abuzz yesterday morning - not with vehicles, but thousands of people jogging, cycling and exercising.

They were taking part in the new Car-Free Sunday SG event, which returned last month with more roads closed for use by cyclists, joggers and pedestrians.

Among the highlights at the event - typically held from 8am to about noon on the last Sunday of every month - were six trishaws making their debut in an effort to cater to the less mobile.

National Development Minister Lawrence Wong kicked off this segment by ferrying Mr Tan Jin Kiat, a 74-year-old Sasco Senior Citizens' Home resident. From outside the National Gallery, they went around the Civic District for about 15 minutes.

Mr Han Jok Kwang, 62, who funded the provision of the trishaw fleet, said: "I just wanted to find a way for the elderly to take part in the event."

The avid cyclist and chief information officer of an electronics services firm also took his 85-year-old mother Sim Suo Ngoh for a ride.

The public also enjoyed new activities such as visiting the Central Singapore Community Development Council's Farmers' Market in Queen Elizabeth Walk, which sold local and organic produce.

The programme returned last month after being piloted from February to July. It expanded from the Central Business District and Civic District areas into the Telok Ayer conservation area.

Previously, some 4.7km of roads were closed but the total is now 5.5km with additional road closures in McCallum, Amoy, Boon Tat, Telok Ayer and Stanley streets.

In Telok Ayer yesterday, an open microphone stage was set up for people to perform, while others went on a historic tour in Ann Siang Hill and Telok Ayer Green.