A 42-year-old man was hit by a stray bullet while cycling in a military no-go area.
A leisure ride through Singapore’s lush Central Catchment turned into a near-fatal accident when a man was struck by a bullet during an ongoing military live-firing exercise. Authorities are now investigating how a cyclist ended up in a strictly restricted and dangerous area.
Stray Bullet Hits Cyclist In Military Zone
On June 15, a 42-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound while cycling with friends in the forested stretch between Upper Seletar and Upper Peirce Reservoirs, part of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR). This area had been gazetted for live-firing exercises by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) under the Military Manoeuvres Act.
At the time of the incident, a live-firing activity was in progress at the SAF’s Nee Soon 500m Range, located approximately 2.3km from where the man was struck. A bullet slug was later removed from his lower back during surgery. He is currently in stable condition.
Public Safety Versus Popular Trails
Despite clear signage warning against unauthorised entry, the trail—particularly the segment known informally as the Woodcutter’s Trail—remains a popular albeit illegal route for experienced cyclists and hikers. These users, knowingly or not, venture into zones reserved for military exercises, exposing themselves to considerable danger.
A regular trail user who declined to be named admitted, “Cyclists are aware some parts are military areas. We’ve seen soldiers doing exercises and still go through.” The incident has raised renewed concerns about enforcement and public awareness regarding restricted zones.
NParks and SAF Respond
The Singapore Armed Forces have since suspended live-firing activities at the Nee Soon Range as investigations continue. The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) stated it is cooperating with police to determine the full sequence of events and safety breaches.
The National Parks Board (NParks) emphasized that designated trails are clearly marked with map boards and signs, urging the public to avoid going off-trail. “Visitors who ignore these warnings risk not just their safety but also damage sensitive habitats,” said a spokesperson.
Cycling Federation Urges Compliance
The Singapore Cycling Federation (SCF) issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to safety and responsible riding. “We strongly advise the cycling community to respect restricted areas and follow designated routes,” it said, while adding it was unaware of the injured individual’s identity or severity of his injuries.
Chestnut Nature Park, the usual start point for riders heading toward the Woodcutter’s Trail, features official cycling and hiking tracks, yet several visitors remain unaware of adjoining military zones. Some hikers interviewed on-site admitted it was their first visit and they had no knowledge of restricted areas nearby.
Calls For Stricter Enforcement
This incident may serve as a critical warning about lax attitudes toward safety in Singapore’s nature reserves. While NParks does carry out enforcement, trail users continue to flout rules, often due to lack of knowledge or willful disregard. The broader issue extends to effective communication, signage, and deterrence strategies.
This near-tragic event underscores the urgent need for greater public education and enforcement around Singapore’s restricted areas. For Indonesians visiting Singapore’s renowned green spaces or those considering similar practices back home, it’s a sobering reminder: safety regulations exist for a reason, and nature’s serenity should never mask its hidden dangers when combined with military operations.
Sources: CNA (2025) , The Straits Times (2025)
Keywords: Cyclist Wounded, SAF Live-Firing, Singapore Military, Restricted Area, Nee Soon Range, Central Catchment Nature Reserve
