SINGAPORE - Cycle Singapore, one of two mass cycling events to be held in Singapore this year, will see 10,500 cyclists dot the Marina Bay landscape from April 10 to 12.
The event, organised by Spectrum Worldwide, will see increased safety measures to ensure rider safety, including compulsory qualification for the 59km Yakult Ace Super Light Challenge. It will also bring forward the flag-off time to 5am to ensure longer intervals between each wave of cyclists, and deploy more medical personnel at high-risk spots along the route.
Last March, the death of full-time national serviceman Chia Wee Kiat raised questions about the safety of mass cycling events in Singapore, amid concerns about unclear road signs and inexperienced cyclists jamming up the route.
Cycle Singapore will kick-start the Cycle Asia series, with events being planned in Malaysia, Philippines and Australia. It will have six categories, ranging from the 100m Tricycle Ride for children aged two and three years old, to the Yakult Ace Light Super Challenge, a 59km ride for cyclists above 16 years old.
Spectrum Worldwide chief executive officer Chris Robb said Cycle Asia events should not be seen as cycling races, but mass rides which anyone can take part in and enjoy themselves.
He added: "Cycle Singapore was the first mass participation cycling event in the Asia-Pacific region and went on to establish itself as an award-winning cycling event, growing from than 5,300 participants in 2009 to 9,000 in 2010 and over 11,000 in subsequent editions.
"The same growth was observed in Malaysia and we are overwhelmed by the popularity of the Cycle Asia events in the Philippines and Australia... (and) we are proud that the Cycle Asia events have been one of the catalysts for the growth of the sport in Asia Pacific."
Registration for Cycle Singapore is now open. To sign up, go to www.cycleasia.com.
