Key points

On October 25, 2026, the international cycling event "Cycling Shimanami 2026" will take place on the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido. Approximately 7,000 participants from Japan and abroad will gather to ride on highway main lanes usually closed to bicycles, making it the largest cycling event in Japan. The event is not a race but a fan ride format offering multiple course options. Registration will be held on the previous day, October 24. On the event day, parts of the highway will be closed to traffic, with traffic restrictions and suspension or detours of highway buses planned. [1] [2] [3]

Overview of the International Cycling Event "Cycling Shimanami 2026"

The international cycling event "Cycling Shimanami 2026" is scheduled for October 25, 2026, on the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido. Approximately 7,000 participants will gather to ride on highway main lanes normally closed to bicycles, making it Japan's largest cycling event. The event is not a race but a fan ride format where participants can choose from eight courses according to their fitness and goals. Registration will take place on October 24, the day before the event. The event allows participants to cycle around the beautiful islands of the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido while experiencing local culture and hospitality. [1] [4]

The courses range from 30 km to 140 km, offering diverse options suitable for beginners to advanced cyclists. The routes include nine bridges of the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido, providing scenic views and a refreshing experience. Participants are required to be healthy and capable of completing their chosen course within the time limit, and there are regulations on bicycle types. The event is held biennially and is positioned as an international gathering of cyclists worldwide. It is organized by the Cycling Shimanami Executive Committee, with involvement from Hiroshima Prefecture, Ehime Prefecture, Onomichi City, Imabari City, and others. [1]

Traffic Restrictions and Impact Due to the Event

On the event day, the main lanes of the Nishiseto Expressway will be closed to traffic. The section from Onomichi Bridge interchange to Innoshima Kita interchange will be closed from 6:00 to 10:00, and the section from Imabari interchange to Innoshima Kita interchange will be closed from 6:00 to 12:40. Vehicles along the route will need to use detours or temporary ferry services. The paths for mopeds and bicycles/pedestrians will remain open as usual. Temporary waiting areas will be set up during the traffic restrictions for use until the restrictions are lifted. Emergency vehicles will be allowed passage. The times and sections of the traffic restrictions may change depending on participants' riding conditions. [2]

Due to the traffic restrictions, highway buses running on the Shimanami Kaido will be suspended or detoured. Between Imabari Pier and Imabari Station, traffic restrictions will be in effect from 8:00 to 19:00, and some bus stops will be temporarily closed. Users holding highway bus commuter passes will be able to use temporary ferries and regular ships as alternatives. Bus companies are advising users to check operation statuses. These measures will cause some traffic impact but aim to ensure safe event operation. The traffic restriction schedule may change depending on participants' riding conditions. [3]

Start and Finish Venues of the Event

On the event day, the start venues will be set at three locations: Imabari interchange, Kurushima Kaikyo Service Area (SA), and Mukojima interchange. The finish venues will be Hirokoji/Imabari Port, Mukojima Sports Park, and Yuge Port. These venues were selected considering participant convenience, and local support and hospitality will be provided at each location. The event is structured to highlight the attractions of the various regions along the Setouchi Shimanami Kaido. Participants will start from their chosen start points, ride their selected courses, and celebrate completion at the finish venues. [1]

The start venue in front of Imabari interchange is located in the Imabari New Urban Area District 1, Kurushima Kaikyo SA is within Imabari City, and Mukojima Sports Park in front of Mukojima interchange is in Onomichi City, serving as a regional exchange hub. The finish venues at Hirokoji/Imabari Port are in the center of Imabari City, and Yuge Port is located in Kamijima Town. These venues play important roles in ensuring safe event operation and a comfortable experience for participants. The event also contributes to regional tourism promotion, with expectations for continued future editions. [1]