Cyclist hit by bullet slug may have tried to cover his tracks from the authorities

He did not initially disclose to police, NUH that he had been riding in a restricted area

- Christine Tan and Nadine Chua

New details have emerged to show that the cyclist who suffered a gunshot wound, and his friends, may have taken steps to conceal from the authorities the route they took on June 15.

The Straits Times learnt that the 42-year-old did not initially disclose to the police and the National University Hospital (NUH) that he had been riding near the Nee Soon live-firing range when he was hit by a projectile.

The area between Upper Seletar and Upper Peirce reservoirs in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR) is gazetted for live-firing, with clear signs warning hikers and riders against trespassing.

The cyclist, identified as L, often tracks his rides on hiking and cycling tracking app Strava. Checks by ST showed him entering the cycling trail from Chestnut Nature Park at about 9.50am on June 15, a Sunday.

He was with a group of about 10 cyclists at the time. At least one other cyclist, identified as W, was his regular riding partner.

W deleted details on Strava of his ride on June 15. But the route he took was mapped out on W's Garmin account, which is accessible to the public.

The apps show the pair hitting the cycling track at around the same time.

After leaving Chestnut Nature Park, they entered the Woodcutter's Trail in the CCNR at about 11am. The trail takes riders and hikers deep into restricted areas.

In an earlier statement, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) said that the man was hit by a bullet slug at about 11.40am. L was then taken to NUH by his friends at about 1pm.