The Tour de France, the world’s most historic and prestigious cycling event, launched the 'L'ÉTAPE du Tour de France Challenge' series. For the very first time, it was held in Taiwan this year, at Sun Moon Lake—named by CNN as one of the world’s top ten most beautiful cycling routes. A total of 2,500 cyclists from 32 countries gathered at the Xiangshan Visitor Center at Sun Moon Lake, and with the official start fired by Minister of Transportation Chen Shih-kai, Minister of Environment Peng Chi-ming, Deputy Minister of Transportation Chen Yen-po, Director of the Tourism Administration Chou Yung-hui, and Deputy Director Lin Hsin-jen, the event officially began. Taiwan, known worldwide as a cycling kingdom, was certified and authorized by the Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.), organizer of the Tour de France, successfully showcasing Taiwan’s landscapes on the global stage and strengthening Taiwan’s cycling tourism brand. In addition to raising Taiwan’s international profile, this event allowed international travelers to experience Taiwan’s friendly and sustainable tourism environment through cycling.

The flagship event of the Taiwan Cycling Festival—'Formosa 900'—kicked off on October 5. Now in its 13th year, the event welcomed 1,227 participants, including 358 international riders, accounting for 29% of the total. On the morning of October 5, four groups gathered at the Taipei City Hall East Gate Plaza to begin their challenge. These included the 'Industry Leadership Team' made up of members from Taiwan’s renowned bicycle industry, an international influencer group from Japan, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, and Taiwan cycling up to Wuling, as well as teams from Japan and Taipei undertaking the round-island challenge. Through the Taiwan Cycling Festival series, the event not only encouraged locals to explore Taiwan in depth by bicycle but also actively attracted international visitors to experience the charm of cycling in Taiwan. Globally recognized for its bicycle industry, Taiwan showcased its cultural depth and commitment to sustainability through the Industry Leadership Team.

In recent years, the Ministry of Transportation has devoted significant effort to improving Taiwan’s cycling tourism environment. To promote the ten flagship events of the Taiwan Cycling Festival, the Tourism Administration held a grand press conference at Songshan Station on September 3, 2024, bringing together all event organizers. Songshan Station, also the starting point of the Round-the-Island Route No.1, was chosen as the venue to symbolize the integration of cycling and railway tourism. This year’s festival centers on five themes: 'Cycling Events,' 'Tourism Regions,' 'Cyclist-Friendly Services,' 'Bike-and-Rail Travel,' and 'Attractions.' Partnering with local governments and cycling associations, the Tourism Administration launched ten major brand events to create a rich and diverse celebration of cycling tourism.

Since 2019, Taiwan has responded to 'World Bicycle Day.' On June 1, 2024, the Tourism Administration organized the nationwide World Bicycle Day ride, with the main event held at Liyu Lake in Hualien. Taiwan’s 46 round-island routes and numerous scenic cycling routes were linked together, rallying cyclists across the country. Minister of Transportation Li Meng-yen and other officials attended, creating a lively atmosphere that boosted confidence in Hualien’s tourism industry. The main 23-kilometer ride began at Liyu Lake, passing indigenous villages, the Chuying Power Plant, and Jian Irrigation Channel, allowing riders to experience both natural landscapes and cultural history. Across Taiwan, more than 10,000 cyclists participated, including government agencies, nine county and city governments, and many private cycling groups. The event highlighted Taiwan’s strong support for cycling culture and injected new energy into the revival of tourism in Hualien and beyond.

The Ministry of Transportation has been actively developing Taiwan’s round-island cycling network, focusing not only on creating high-quality cycling environments but also on three main goals: internationalization, localization, and upgrading the network. These include: 'establishing internationally recognized cycling routes and tourism events,' 'developing in-depth local cycling tourism and optimizing round-island routes,' and 'integrating and improving facilities.' From February 16 to 21, 2024, Minister Wang Kwo-tsai led a six-day, five-night relay inspection tour, using a variety of transport methods including cycling and rail. Starting at Songshan Station, the team visited tourism highlights promoted by the Tourism Administration, weather stations managed by the Central Weather Administration, rail stations offering bike-and-rail services, and locally funded cycle paths, thoroughly reviewing both hardware and software facilities across the island.

The flagship event of the Taiwan Cycling Festival—'Formosa 900'—officially launched on November 11, 2023. Now in its 12th year, the event was reopened to international groups following the lifting of pandemic restrictions. Cyclists from Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and other countries formed teams to participate in customized round-island and in-depth tours. A total of 1,212 riders joined, including 427 international participants (35%). On the morning of November 11, four groups set off from Taipei City Hall East Gate Plaza, with every rider full of energy, ready to experience Taiwan by bicycle. The Tourism Administration aims to establish Taiwan as a paradise for mountain, coastal, and round-island cycling. Through the integration of government resources and collaboration with private operators, the event deepened the travel experience for both domestic and international visitors. By pedaling across the island, participants fell in love with the beauty of Taiwan.

The 2023 Taiwan King of the Mountain (KOM) Challenge took place on October 27, starting from Qixingtan Beach in Hualien. A total of 776 professional and amateur cyclists from 37 countries participated. The course led riders through the awe-inspiring Taroko Gorge, past the majestic Sacred Tree, and climbed from sea level to 3,275 meters at the summit of Wuling. Now in its 12th edition, this 105-kilometer route has earned international recognition as a world-class cycling challenge. Participants experienced scenery comparable to the most renowned mountain roads worldwide. For international riders, the KOM Challenge not only satisfied curiosity about Taiwan but also offered an unparalleled opportunity to explore the island’s natural beauty, culture, and lifestyle, making it a key event in promoting Taiwan to the world.

To boost tourism recovery after the pandemic, the Tourism Bureau organized three major World Bicycle Day rides on June 3, 2023, under the guidance of the Executive Yuan and Ministry of Transportation. The events took place in northern Taiwan (Keelung to Wanli), central Taiwan (Dongshi Hakka Cultural Park to Houli Horse Ranch), and southern Taiwan (Dapeng Bay Loop). These large-scale events connected riders and VIP guests across regions. The occasion was also expanded in celebration of the Bureau’s upgrade to the Tourism Administration. President Tsai Ing-wen personally led the ride, joined by Premier Chen Chien-jen, Deputy Premier Cheng Wen-tsan, and Minister of Transportation Wang Kwo-tsai. Using the 'Round-Island Dream Ride APP,' Taiwan’s cycling route was divided into 50 segments, with groups riding simultaneously from each starting point. Together, their GPS tracks formed the outline of Taiwan, symbolically uniting the nation in celebration of World Bicycle Day.

To provide cyclists with better and more diverse information services, the Tourism Bureau integrated and upgraded the National Cycling Route Portal and Taiwan Cycling Tourism website. The newly launched 'Taiwan Cycling Route Portal' went live on May 29, 2023. In addition to maintaining functions such as route search and planning, the site now introduces national and regional cycling routes, tour recommendations, and travel information (including cycling events, bike transport services, and safety tips). It also offers special features (VR experiences, event highlights, and promotional videos), rider feedback (tour submissions, opinions, and speed checks), and a Q&A section, aiming to meet the diverse needs of users.

To showcase Penghu’s cycling network achievements and promote low-carbon green tourism, the Penghu National Scenic Area Administration hosted a press conference for the '2023 Penghu Cycling Island-Hopping Carnival.' The event integrated activities such as 'local professional guide services,' 'in-depth and demonstration tours,' and the 'Penghu 101K Island-Hopping Bike Ride.' Cyclists across Taiwan were invited to enjoy sea breezes, taste local seafood, and explore the world’s most beautiful bay at a pace of 20 km/h.

The '2023 Taipei International Cycle Show' took place from March 22 to 25 at the Nangang Exhibition Center. The Tourism Bureau invited the East Rift Valley National Scenic Area Administration, 12 other scenic area administrations, and the Taiwan KOM (King of the Mountain) Challenge to participate, creating the themed pavilion 'Let’s Go Cycling!' (Booth L1210) to promote Taiwan’s cycling tourism. Visitors experienced immersive exhibits showcasing the fun of cycling trips. Distinguished guests at the opening included senior officials from the Ministry of Transportation, the Tourism Bureau, and representatives of cycling associations and companies.

Minister Wang Kwo-tsai, accompanied by Director-General Chang Hsi-tsung of the Tourism Bureau, joined the Legislative Yuan Transportation Committee’s inspection of the Longmen Camping Area and tourism development under the Northeast Coast Scenic Area Administration. Key topics included (1) safety and facility management of Longmen Camping Area, (2) ecological resources and tourism development of Guishan Island, and (3) cycling safety promotion and tourism infrastructure along the Old Caoling Circular Bikeway.

Deputy Minister Chen Yen-po of the Ministry of Transportation, Executive Yuan Secretary-General Li Meng-yen, and Tourism Bureau Director-General Chang Hsi-tsung attended the award ceremony and large-scale cycling event for '2021 Taiwan Cycling Day—Diverse Rides Across Taiwan' held at the Shihsanhang Museum of Archaeology.

Deputy Minister Chen Yen-po participated in the 'Friendly Cycling, Happy Taiwan' campaign, leading a cycling inspection to evaluate Taiwan’s cyclist-friendly environments. The event also served as a warm-up for the 2021 Year of Cycling Tourism, showcasing the Ministry’s achievements in cycling infrastructure and tourism promotion.

Minister Lin Chia-lung, accompanied by Deputy Director Chou Ting-chang of the Tourism Bureau, inspected the Erbashui Water Park in Changhua. After reviewing a briefing on cycling routes connected to the High-Speed Rail and Ershui Bikeway, Minister Lin emphasized the importance of linking and optimizing routes. He instructed the Tourism Bureau to collaborate with the Agriculture and Water Resources Agency to accelerate development, aiming to highlight Changhua’s cultural landscapes, rural scenery, and unique railway-cycling experiences to attract more tourists.

Minister Lin Chia-lung, together with Tourism Bureau Director-General Chang Hsi-tsung, attended the 2020 Cycling Forum, declaring 2021 as the Year of Cycling Tourism. The initiative aimed to make cycling not only part of everyday life but also Taiwan’s most prominent international tourism brand in the post-pandemic era, with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly development.

Minister Lin Chia-lung, accompanied by Tourism Bureau Director-General Chang Hsi-tsung, attended the 'Formosa 900' event. Minister Lin encouraged the bureau to continue developing cycling tourism routes and unique activities, positioning Taiwan as the must-visit destination for international cyclists.

The East Rift Valley National Scenic Area Administration organized the '2020 East of Taiwan Hualien-Taitung Bay Cup Cycling Challenge' along Highways 9 and 11, with both 200k and 400k routes. The event sought international certification from the French long-distance cycling federation B.R.M, enhancing Taiwan’s reputation in endurance cycling.

Minister Lin Chia-lung accompanied Premier Su Tseng-chang to the Zhongjiao Bay International Surfing Base event organized by the Tourism Bureau. Minister Lin noted that Zhongjiao Bay was a successful model of central-local cooperation and announced future plans to connect the North Coast Round-the-Island Route 1-1 and Wanjin Bikeway with local tourism. These efforts would prepare Taiwan for the 2021 Year of Cycling Tourism, fostering a friendly cycling environment and boosting local tourism benefits.

Minister Lin Chia-lung visited the Puli Geographic Center Monument and Earth God Temple. He directed that the 'Heart of Taiwan' be integrated with surrounding attractions, cycling paths, and walking trails, enhanced with digital technology and design aesthetics, to market it as an international-level destination.

To ensure broad discussion of the 2021 Year of Cycling Tourism, Minister Lin Chia-lung personally hosted a workshop from October 5 to 6, 2019. Participants from industry, government, and academia exchanged ideas on planning Taiwan’s round-island cycling network, organizing international cycling competitions, and promoting cycling tourism activities.

Beginning on August 31, 2019, the Tourism Bureau launched the 2019 Small Town Ramble Year series. The program featured Taiwan’s first town-circling bikeway in Guanshan and the first internationally certified Cittaslow cycling tour in Fenglin, promoting slow travel and local culture through cycling.

Deputy Minister Huang Yu-lin, on behalf of Minister Lin Chia-lung, joined Ehime Prefecture Governor Tokihiro Nakamura to unveil a commemorative plaque marking the 5th anniversary of the sister cycling route agreement between Taiwan’s Sun Moon Lake and Japan’s Shimanami Kaido. Commemorative stamps were issued, and rental discounts for Japanese tourists were announced to strengthen Taiwan-Japan cycling tourism ties.

Executive Yuan Minister without Portfolio Chang Ching-sen attended the opening ceremony of the Old Mountain Line Rail Bike in Miaoli, supported by the Tourism Bureau’s cross-regional highlight project. The new attraction allows visitors to experience rail biking along historical railway tracks.

The 6th Taiwan King of the Mountain Challenge, organized by the Tourism Bureau and the Cycling Life Association, attracted 592 riders from 32 countries. For the first time, foreign participants accounted for over 50% of the field. Italian cyclist Vincenzo Nibali won overall, Peng Yuan-tang took the Taiwan champion title, and British cyclist Emma Pooley won the women’s category.

The Tourism Bureau invited popular actress Chang Jing-lan to serve as spokesperson for the Taiwan Cycling Festival, alongside mascot OhBear. The 2017 festival continued with its four flagship events—the Taiwan KOM Challenge, Formosa 900, Sun Moon Lake Come! Bikeday, and Taichung Bike Carnival—and introduced 'Light up Taiwan Extreme Slow Travel,' encouraging cyclists to ride to four lighthouses at Taiwan’s extreme points to experience local culture and coastal scenery.

The Tourism Bureau’s mascot OhBear starred in the launch ceremony of the OhBear Cycling Train at Nangang Station, held on a Puyuma Express train. OhBear served as stationmaster, with celebrity cyclist Chiu Nien-tzu as train captain, inviting the public to join the 2017 Taiwan Cycling Festival.

As part of the 2016 Taiwan Cycling Festival, the second wave of the Formosa 900 featured 12 unique teams starting from five key locations around Taiwan. Over nine days, they circled the island by bike. Minister Ho Chen Tan, Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, and other officials joined the Taipei departure ceremony and rode along, promoting health and cycling culture.

The 2016 Taiwan KOM Challenge took place on October 28, starting at Qixingtan Beach in Hualien and climbing to Wuling at 3,275 meters above sea level. The 105-kilometer race attracted elite international cyclists. Spanish rider Oscar Pujol won in 3:29:43, claiming the NT$1 million prize. Taiwan’s champion, Fan Yung-yi, finished in 3:37:35 (14th overall).

Completed at the end of 2015, Taiwan’s Round-the-Island Cycling Route No.1 was officially inaugurated on October 22, 2016, with the 0 KM marker unveiled at Taipei Songshan Station. Forty-eight riders of the Round-the-Island Team set off on the first official ride. Spokesperson Molly and Tourism Bureau mascot OhBear also attended the ceremony, cheering for the departing cyclists.

The 2016 Taiwan Cycling Festival was officially launched on October 3 with a press conference announcing its four flagship events: the Taiwan KOM Challenge, Formosa 900, Sun Moon Lake Come! Bikeday Carnival, and Taichung Bike Carnival. Supermodel Sonia Sui served as the spokesperson alongside the Tourism Bureau’s mascot OhBear, marking the start of nationwide cycling festivities.

On November 14, the flagship Formosa 900 event of the 2015 Taiwan Cycling Festival officially began. Deputy Minister Wu Meng-fen, Director-General Hsieh Wei-jun of the Tourism Bureau, Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je, legislator Yang Yu-hsin, Deputy Director Wang Shui-wen of the Sports Administration, and TAITRA Secretary-General Huang Wen-jung attended the Taipei departure ceremony. Seventeen diverse teams set off from eight key locations around Taiwan, circling the island in nine days (some with 7-day or Penghu 3-day variations), promoting health and cycling culture.

To expand into new tourism markets, the Tourism Bureau released new promotional videos in October 2015 highlighting three themes: transit, cycling, and cruises. The videos were broadcast on CNN in the U.S., SKY News in Canada, Bloomberg in the U.K., and online, aiming to attract more international visitors to Taiwan.

The Tourism Bureau hosted the 2015 Taiwan Cycling Festival and collaborated with the movie 'To the Fore' to promote Taiwan’s cycling tourism. The festival also featured Tourism Bureau spokesperson OhBear, using the film’s dramatic cycling scenes to inspire public participation and highlight Taiwan as a premier cycling destination.

Held on June 21 at the Xiuguluan River Visitor Center in Hualien, the 2015 Xiuguluan River International Rafting Triathlon welcomed 25 international athletes from Canada, the U.S., the U.K., Ireland, the Netherlands, and Germany. Competitors completed rafting, running, and cycling, while the general public was also able to enjoy rafting experiences.

The Tourism Bureau organized the 2014 Taiwan Cycling Festival from November 8 to 16. The three flagship events included the Taiwan KOM Challenge, Formosa 900, and Sun Moon Lake Come! Bikeday. By combining local cultural diversity with cycling, the festival attracted around 100,000 participants and generated an estimated NT$200 million in tourism revenue.

The Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration collaborated with NGOs to host the 'Dream Journey at Sun Moon Lake' event, combining accessible cycling and water sports. Legislator Yang Yu-hsin led 60 participants with severe physical disabilities, who used handcycles, accessible boats, and canoes to experience the beauty of Sun Moon Lake.

At the press conference launching the 2013 Taiwan Cycling Festival, the Tourism Bureau announced its three flagship events: the Taiwan KOM Challenge, Formosa 900, and Sun Moon Lake Come! Bikeday. The public was invited to join a week-long series of cycling activities from November 9 to 17, exploring Taiwan on two wheels.

Deputy Minister Chen Chien-yu of the Ministry of Transportation and Tourism Bureau Director-General Hsieh Wei-jun fired the starting gun for the 2013 Taiwan Cycling Festival. The three flagship events—the Taiwan KOM Challenge, Formosa 900, and Sun Moon Lake Come! Bikeday—combined local cultural diversity with cycling, drawing around 60,000 participants and generating an estimated NT$130 million in tourism revenue.

The 2012 Taiwan Cycling Festival was jointly organized by the Tourism Bureau and the governments of Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung counties. For the first time, the Taiwan Railways Administration collaborated to provide cruise-style rail and cycling packages. The event attracted approximately 37,500 participants and generated around NT$100 million in tourism revenue.

The 2011 Taiwan Cycling Festival included the Taiwan Cup International Road Invitational Race, which brought together 43 foreign cyclists from 9 teams across 11 countries. In total, 151 participants from 13 countries and regions joined the race, and media from 17 countries came to Taiwan to cover the event. Around 30,000 people attended, generating NT$1.25 billion in tourism revenue.

The Old Caoling Circular Bikeway was officially inaugurated on October 30, 2011. Minister Mao Chi-kuo of the Ministry of Transportation, Sports Affairs Council Minister Tai Hsia-ling, and Tourism Bureau Director Lai Se-chen attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new bikeway offered cyclists an additional scenic leisure route in the Northeast Coast area.

The East Rift Valley National Scenic Area Administration hosted the 11th annual Hualien-Taitung International Cycling Race Series. Nearly 1,500 cyclists participated, joined by over 1,000 accompanying family members, to experience the stunning scenery of eastern Taiwan while showcasing the region to the world.

The Xiangshan Visitor Center officially opened on February 25, 2011, becoming a new highlight near Sun Moon Lake’s Provincial Highway 21 tunnel. With its diverse visitor services and connection to the Xiangshan Bikeway, it created a fresh tourism attraction for the region.

The inaugural Taiwan Cycling Festival began on October 16, 2010, featuring triathlons and a 200K endurance challenge. The event attracted 43 international media outlets from 14 countries, along with 16 professional cycling teams. This marked the beginning of Taiwan’s promotion of its eastern scenic areas through cycling tourism.

The cable car system linking Sun Moon Lake and the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village officially began operation on January 8, 2010. Combined with Highways 3 and 6 and the High-Speed Rail, the system enhanced accessibility, allowing visitors to explore Sun Moon Lake via land (trails, bikeways, buses), water (boats), and air (cable cars).

On May 9, 2009, the Ministry of Transportation launched the Eastern Taiwan Cycling Network Demonstration Project. Between 2009 and 2012, NT$800 million was invested to develop a round-island cycling route spanning from Fulong in Taipei County to Taitung, enhancing Taiwan’s long-distance cycling infrastructure.

On April 4, 2005, Asia’s first bicycle tunnel was officially opened, located along the Hou-feng Bikeway and Dong-feng Green Corridor. It became a landmark feature of central Taiwan’s cycling routes.

On December 28, 1997, the Northeast Coast National Scenic Area Administration hosted the first leisure cycling event, covering the route from Longmen Park to Dexing Temple. This marked the beginning of organized cycling tourism in the region.