NTU’s 12th edition of Bike Rally sees record turnout

By Ignatius Koh

Acting Minister of Education (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung (second from left) flagged off participants for the 98-kilometre route at the Formula One Pit Building, before embarking on a 1.8km ride to the West Coast Park Checkpoint. PHOTO: IGNATIUS KOH

Among the 1,800 cyclists – a record – who participated in Bike Rally 2016 yesterday, was Acting Minister of Education (Higher Education and Skills) Ong Ye Kung.

Mr Ong, the Guest-of-Honour, flagged off participants for the 98-kilometre route at the Formula One Pit Building before embarking on a 1.8km ride to the West Coast Park Checkpoint.

The event had two routes – 98km and 168km – which were fully booked as early as 4 Jan.

Director of Students, Student Affairs Office, Associate Professor Lok Tat Seng was a VIP at the event.

“I think this is a tremendous effort from the students – organising an event for 1,800 people is not easy,” said Assoc Prof Lok, a lecturer at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering

“Very few people have seen how the students have prepared for this event, so they don’t appreciate the effort.”

The Bike Rally is in its 12th run this year, and saw a record number of 1,800 participants. PHOTO: IGNATIUS KOH

Bike Rally is in its 12th year. The event focuses on inculcating safe cycling habits in participants, as well as motorist awareness of cyclists on the road.

Mr Ryan Lee, 29, who has previously ridden in numerous cycling events, was not surprised at the massive number of cyclists.

“I think, based on today, the event could easily pull in the same number (of people) or more next year,” said Mr Lee, a business development executive.

For first time participant Mr Mark Chua, it did not matter that the event was fully run by students.

Said Mr Chua, a 44-year-old IT consultant: “It’s the ride that counts.”

“This has been one of my favourite cycling events.”