OCBC Cycle 2026 Draws Thousands As Singapore’s Largest Mass Cycling Event Returns To Closed City Roads
- John Yeong
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
OCBC Cycle is now in its 18th edition, once again reinforced its status as Singapore’s largest cycling event, bringing together riders of all ages and abilities for a rare opportunity to cycle along closed city roads
SINGAPORE, 10 May 2026 - Singapore’s biggest mass participation cycling event, the OCBC Cycle, returned in full force on Sunday morning as thousands of riders took to the city streets for the OCBC Cycle 2026 mass participation rides.
More than 5,600 cyclists rode through Singapore’s city centre in three sold-out categories — The Sportive Ride (40km), The Foldie Ride by Brompton (40km), and The Straits Times Ride (20km) — marking a vibrant return to physical mass rides after the 2025 edition was held virtually.
The event, now in its 18th edition, once again reinforced its status as Singapore’s largest cycling event, bringing together riders of all ages and abilities for a rare opportunity to cycle along closed city roads usually filled with traffic.
Cyclists Ride Across Singapore’s Iconic Landmarks
Participants experienced a unique urban cycling route that took them across some of Singapore’s most recognisable landmarks.
Riders climbed and descended the iconic Benjamin Sheares Bridge, rode past the Singapore Flyer and Gardens by the Bay, before finishing inside the Singapore National Stadium.
The chance to ride through normally busy expressways without cars remains one of the biggest attractions of the annual cycling festival.
According to organisers, 7,000 cyclists are expected to take part across all OCBC Cycle 2026 categories, including riders in Saturday’s competitive and youth events.
A Personal Challenge for Thousands of Singapore Cyclists
Among the participants was Tan Teck Long, who stepped up from previous editions to tackle the 40km ride.
“This is my third OCBC Cycle experience. I took part in the 20km ride in 2023 and 2024. This year, I challenged myself further to ride in the 40km category,” he said.
“The adrenaline of riding up and free-wheeling down Benjamin Sheares Bridge reminded me why this event is such a key attraction for the local cycling community. Only once a year do you get to cycle on busy city roads closed to vehicles.”
For many participants, the ride was about more than just distance.
Fifty-eight-year-old Tan Ngee completed the 40km Sportive Ride alongside his son Wesley.
“Taking part together was a wonderful experience. We both picked up cycling during the COVID period and it has since become a way for us to bond on weekends,” he said.
“We will definitely be back again next year.”
Foldie Riders And First-Timers Join The Cycling Festival
The Foldie Ride by Brompton also drew strong participation from the foldable bike community.
First-time OCBC Cycle participant Marissa Tang said the event offered a memorable experience.
“I recently bought a foldie and it has been such a convenient way to get around Singapore,” she said.
“Cycling along West Coast Highway on closed roads was unforgettable, and the encouragement from the motorbike marshals really helped when the ride got tough.”
Meanwhile, the 20km category provided a gateway for new cyclists to experience a mass cycling event.
For Apple Tan, completing the distance marked a deeply personal milestone.
“This was my first time cycling 20km continuously. Crossing the finish line reminded me how far I have come,” she shared.
Brompton World Championship Kicks Off OCBC Cycle Weekend
The cycling festivities began on Saturday with the popular OCBC Cycle Brompton World Championship, a unique race known for its blend of competition and creativity.
In the men’s race, Adi Putera claimed victory while Cai Binghui won the women’s category.
The opening day also featured the Mighty Savers Kids Ride, bringing young cyclists into the festival atmosphere.
OCBC Cycle 2026 Continues With Virtual Rides
Although the mass participation rides concluded on Sunday morning, OCBC Cycle 2026 will continue with its virtual cycling challenges.
Participants can complete either the 100km Virtual Ride or the Round Island Virtual Ride (minimum 120km) between 9 May and 8 June 2026, allowing cyclists to finish their distance goals at their own pace.
As Singapore’s cycling community continues to grow, events like OCBC Cycle highlight the increasing popularity of recreational cycling, mass participation sports events, and urban cycling experiences across the island.
For thousands of riders on Sunday morning, the chance to cycle across Singapore’s iconic roads — traffic-free — remains a once-a-year experience that keeps them returning to the saddle. #OCBCCycle #LetsGoCycle