Speakers
Andrew Ong
Workshop Session
To break a bad habit, you need to replace that with a new habit. And cycling is a fantastic new habit to introduce to ex-offenders. It is easily accessible and fun!
The goal for Break the Cycle (BTC) is to reduce the re-offending rate in Singapore by supporting the reintegration of ex-offenders during the aftercare phase. These requires a pool of mentors who are ex-offenders whom have successfully broken their cycle of re-offending, and also a community that is inclusive to readily accept ex-offenders.
Come and learn the lessons and stories from how BTC is making a difference with a life behind prison bars to handle bars through cycling.
Bernard, a former drug addict, has participated in Break the Cycle SG's cycling activities since 2020.
He developed a drug addiction at the age of 17 after being introduced to them by friends he had made at that time. Ever since then, his life was in bondage to drugs for more than 20 years! Despite being incarcerated on countless occasions, he was never able to successfully break the cycle of addiction. His last imprisonment was in 2015.
It was not until he had enrolled in a rehabilitation programme with a halfway house upon his release that his life changed. Prior to joining BTC, he was mostly riding alone and figuring out the technical side of things on his own. He made quite a number of costly mistakes with his bike, and on his bike. One of which was crashing during one of his rides. Thankfully, it wasn't serious and he recovered from it!
After getting to know the folks from Break the Cycle SG, he immediately received the support he needed, not only to ride better but also to feel better, with constant encouragement. He felt very accepted.