Singapore's bike lanes are not for the faint-of-heart, as many of the more popular routes are snuggled right against the throbbing traffic lanes. However, adrenaline junkies can veer off-road to catch some air on the dirt trails that thread the country's nature reserves and parks. If you're feeling even more adventurous, hop on a ferry to Pulau Ubin, an island oasis less than a ten-minute ride north from the Singapore docks, that's pristine even in comparison with sparkling-clean main island. The island's mountain-bike trails and paved paths are among the region's best.
If you don't have much time and want an alternative way to pedal your way out of the bustle of the city, visit one of the six bicycle rental kiosks, called "PCN Pitstops," that the municipality has built in the parks along its eastern coast. Visitors can rent bicycles from any of these kiosks, with returns allowed at any of the others in the network. The parks themselves are connected by a "green network" of safe, clean, paved, well-maintained trails with excellent views of flora, fauna and coast.
Trick bicyclists will find a unique welcome in Singapore, as the country has a surprising number of BMX zones, slalom bike tracks, trick parks and urban bike-culture centers. Biketrial is a popular discipline here, as well, in which the cyclist tries to complete an obstacle course without setting foot on the ground.
If you'd rather follow the lead of a local than blaze your own trail, hook up with a tour. One outfit, Biking Singapore, offers guided tours of the city both during the day and at night. Tourists choose from itineraries that focus on history, adventure, food and local culture. Tours last between 3 and 4 hours and travel approximately 20 kilometers. Biking Singapore provides all gear, only requiring that their intrepid bicyclists bring along bottled water and sunscreen. Rentals are offered for DIY tourists. Bicycle Kingdom provides information on several other bicycle rental shops on the island. Most provide a basic city map and safety gear with the rentals.
