Taiwan’s first “round-the-island cycling route” opens — follow these signs to cycle the island

▲ Signage for “Cycling Route No. 1 around Taiwan.” (Photo provided by the MOTC’s Institute of Transportation)

By Tsai Wen-jun, staff reporter / Comprehensive report

Planned by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, Taiwan’s first“Cycling Route No. 1 around Taiwan”was officially launched on the 30th. With a total length of over 1,200 kilometers, the full loop takes approximately nine days to complete. To accommodate cyclists' need for supplies, the route includes 122 rest and supply stations located at district offices, Iron Horse Stations, and convenience stores. The Institute of Transportation under the MOTC has also released signage designs, allowing cyclists to follow the signs and ride around the island starting today.

▲ Road signs along “Cycling Route No. 1 around Taiwan.” (Photo provided by the MOTC’s Institute of Transportation)

The MOTC stated that the main line of the “Cycling Route No. 1 around Taiwan” is approximately 968 kilometers long, starting from Songshan Railway Station. It connects with the national highway system and local cycling paths, with clearly marked cycling signs and lane markings installed at appropriate locations along the route to guide riders. For those aiming to complete the full loop in one go, besides the main route, there are also 12 branch routes in areas such as Nantou and Dapeng Bay, totaling about 235 kilometers

▲Signage for supply stations along the “Bicycle Island-Riding Route 1.” (Photo provided by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ Institute of Transportation)

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications stated,supply stations will be set up every 10 to 20 kilometers along the cycling route, primarily located at district offices, Iron Horse Stations (bicycle service stations), and convenience stores, allowing cyclists to rest and recharge.In addition,considering cyclists who may not be able to complete the island loop in one go, the ministry has planned 11 two-mode (train + bicycle) transfer stations along the main route, including Songshan, Hsinchu, Xinyi, Chiayi, Xinzuoying, Fangliao, Taimali, Taitung, Rueisuei, Hualien, and Dongshan stations, enabling riders to complete the island circuit through segmented cycling trips.