Singapore: EU Cycling for Sustainability Rally 2023
Nearly 200 cyclists joined the rally held in the island of Pulau Ubin. This was presented in partnership with National Parks Board or NParks under their umbrella event Pesta Ubin 2023 that attracted 800 visitors to the island.
This year’s EU Cycling for Sustainability Rally presented an immersive green event allowing us to experience the raw beauty of nature and ‘Kampung’ (Village) life. While cycling through the island, we celebrated Pulau Ubin’s past and heritage while embracing nature and all things green. We pedalled not just for fun or fitness, but for our planet: for a sustainable future, contributing in our own way to reducing carbon emission and pollution.
Flagging off the Rally, EU Ambassador to Singapore Iwona Piórko said: “The EU is leading climate action globally and we are happy to have Singapore as an important partner in this process. Our event is part of EU Green Week, the largest environmental event in Europe and beyond. Focusing on skills for sustainable, resilient and socially fair communities, the EU Green Week aims to raise awareness and contribute to public debate on the environment as we marked World Environment Day on 5 June and World Oceans Day on 8 June.
“Climate change and environmental degradation are a threat to the world. The EU recognises this and has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. We are committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Therefore, we are putting in place and implementing various policies and initiatives, such as the European Green Deal”.
The pit stops included Chek Jawa Wetlands, one of Singapore’s richest eco-systems. The area is the convergence point of six natural habitats that is home to diverse wildlife. . This was followed by a stop at Teck Seng’s House that offers a glimpse into village life, a water stop at Ah Ma’s Drink Store – the last running drink store operated by a local islander and a final stop at Ubin’s Living Lab – an integrated facility dedicated to support research and field studies, environmental education and community outreach.
The many activities curated for the 2023 EU Cycling for Sustainability Rally celebrated island life, while presenting various aspects of our natural habitat. Cycling through Pulau Ubin, we showed how each one of us can make a difference for nature and for our environment.
#ForOurPlanet #EUGreenWeek
Pre-Event Information:
The aim of this year’s EU Cycling for Sustainability Rally is to present an all-encompassing green event that allows us to experience first-hand the raw beauty of nature and experience ‘Kampung’ (Village) life. Organised as part of EU Green Week 2023 in partnership with Singapore’s NParks, this will take participants into 3 experience zones of Ubin to introduce Singapore’s efforts to conserve nature, protect the environment and to maintain the island way of life.
Together with NPark’s Pesta Ubin 2023 Festival, we celebrate Pulau Ubin’s past and heritage. We also move beyond nostalgia and engage various stakeholders in collectively envisioning and reflecting on the future of Pulau Ubin - its culture, kampung life, nature and wildlife, Ubin land and sea. From sports and nature to heritage and arts for families and youth. From Ubin Town to the quarries and the waters around Pulau Ubin, the activities designed for the 2023 EU Cycle for Sustainability Rally celebrate island life and show how everyone can make a difference for nature and it’s environment.
Cycle with us to get a taste of the kinder, gentler way of life on Ubin. On Saturday 10th June, we invite you to leave the city behind, and experience with us The Ubin Way.
Event Flow: Saturday, 10th June 2023, Pulau Ubin
8am: Gather at Changi Ferry Terminal for ferry ride to Ubin
830-9am: Meet at Assembly Area at Pulau Ubin for light refreshments and briefing
930am: Flag Off
10am: Stop at Chek Jawa bicycle park station. Walk to Chek Jewa Visitor Centre
10.30am: Group photo at Viewing Jetty
10.50am: Back to bicycle and off the Next Check point
11.30am: Stop at Ah Ma Drink Store for short break
11.45am: Move off to Ubin’s living lab
12.00pm: Group Photo taking at Ubin Living Lab
1230pm: Back to Assembly Point for refreshments and photo taking
