Para Cycling is one of the world’s fastest growing disability sports and one of the biggest sports at the Paralympic Games in terms of medal events. In Singapore, SDSC works with the Para Cycling Federation of Singapore (PCFS) to promote Para Cycling as a competitive sport, a recreational activity, and a means of rehabilitation. Para Cyclists in Singapore have competed in events such as the ASEAN Para Games, the Singapore National Para Games and the Singapore International Para Cycling Cup.
Para Cyclists in Singapore are trained and developed in four divisions: Handcycles, Bicycles, Tricycle and Tandems. Persons with physical impairment can train/compete on bicycles or handcycles. Handcycles are usually tricycle in form, which includes a steerable front wheel and two rear wheels. Handcycling requires peddling the hand bike sitting down using arm power, hence improving the cyclists’ arm and core muscles. Trike Cyclists often have impairments that affect their coordination and balance. As such, using a tricycle helps to improve stability. Cyclists with visual impairment train and compete on tandems (which are two-person cycles) with a sighted ‘pilot’, working with their legs to reach explosive speeds. Meanwhile, other athletes use bicycles with modifications made according to their impairments.
Para Cycling is divided into track and road events and is suitable for all levels.
Classifications for Para Cycling are as follows:
| Division | Classification | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cycling | C1 - C5 | For athletes with cerebral palsy, amputees and other conditions who are able to ride a bike. |
| Hand Bike/ Handcycling | H1 - H5 | For riders with impairments affecting either both legs or a combination of the upper and lower limbs (amputees, paraplegics and tetraplegics). |
| Tricyle | T1 - T2 | For amputees, and athletes with cerebral palsy, neurological conditions or other athletes who are unable to ride a bike. |
| Visually Impaired | B | For visually impaired cyclists who compete on tandem bikes with a sighted pilot. |
The number in each division represents the class with a lower number indicating a more severe impairment.