Cyclists to get one of world's longest trails - Plan to stitch tracks together for 120km run from east to west
Cheung Chi-fai
10 June 2005
South China Morning Post

Cyclists' dreams will soon come true, with plans to create one of the world's longest city bike trails in bicycle-unfriendly Hong Kong.

Government engineers are studying ways to connect the network of broken cycle tracks scattered across the New Territories into one that stretches from the western tip at Castle Peak to the far east at High Island Reservoir. It may even be extended to take in popular scenic spots.

Once completed, the track will be 120km long, tripling the existing length of 40km, and will be one of the world's longest dedicated cycling trails within a city.

From the High Island Reservoir to the oyster farm in Lau Fau Shan and through the heart of the northern New Territories, the network will cross six districts, including Sha Tin, Tai Po, Northern, Yuen Long, Tuen Mun and Sai Kung.

The Civil Engineering and Development Department said priority would be given to linking existing tracks in the two-phase project.

But it said linking the network would not be easy, with an extra 20km of track required. It might take five to seven years to build because minor land resumption might be needed at certain points. Environmental concerns also had to be addressed.

There is no timetable for the 60km extension to Sai Kung and the west coast, which will be built after the first phase. The district councils involved generally support the idea but no costs have been revealed.

In addition to repairing and connecting the tracks, facilities will be upgraded.

"The proposed works will include widening of the substandard sections and providing additional facilities such as signage, bicycle parking, refreshment kiosks, toilets, shelters, sitting out areas," a department spokesman said.

As part of improvements, the cycle track near Sha Tin's Cultural Heritage Museum will be upgraded, where a tunnel with a standard track width of 3.5 metres will be built under Lion Rock Tunnel Road across the Shing Mun River.

The Hong Kong Tour Cycling Association, which was formed in 1981 to promote cycling tours locally and overseas, welcomed the project, saying the network could become a tourist attraction.

"Most of the existing tracks in Yuen Long, Tai Po and Tuen Mun are broken and cyclists often have to stop and walk or even ride on the pedestrian pavement.

"This is inconvenient and dangerous to cyclists and passers-by," said association member Tony Leung Sum-to.

Mr Leung said the network would promote cycling among the public and attract tourists. But facilities had to be upgraded.

"There are not enough resting places and even toilets along the track. It might be a good idea to turn some rural places along the track into a picnic area.

"You don't have to do all the 120km in a day. You could split them up and visit some of the sections in two or three days," he said.

There were not enough dedicated tracks in the city and roads were often too congested and dangerous, he said.

The track would only help improve safety if cyclists, especially occasional riders, paid more attention to road safety and learnt the basic knowledge of the operation of their bicycles, Mr Leung said.

http://hongkong.scmp.com/images/News_bicycle10b.jpg


:cheers:

Great news, so then HK maybe the best city to do lesure-cycling for long distances.

Cyclists point to poor safety habits
12 April 2007
South China Morning Post

Cyclists in Tseung Kwan O say they are lucky to have a number of cycling paths, but they admit their road safety awareness is weak.

Mrs Wong, who lives in Tiu Keng Leng and regularly cycles to Hang Hau and Tseung Kwan O (see graphic above), said it was the best way to get around the district.

"I get exercise and save money. It costs about HK$10 for me and my son just to go to Hang Hau or Tseung Kwan O by MTR, which are one or two stops away from Tiu Keng Leng."

But she says most cyclists in the district ignore traffic safety and rules. "I was fined HK$300 last year for riding my bike across a road."

Mrs Wong said she has learned her lesson, but many cyclists - especially teenagers - do not follow traffic rules.

A 13-year-old cyclist collided with a truck in Tseung Kwan O on Tuesday. The boy was riding his bike on the wrong side of Chui Ling Road near King Ling Road when the accident happened.

"It takes about 20 minutes for residents to walk from home to the cycling paths, so most ride their bikes all the way from there. There are roads in between and that's why accidents happen," Mrs Wong said.

HK should travel the two-wheeled path
12 April 2007
South China Morning Post

In a city such as Hong Kong, where traffic congestion wastes time and the problem of air pollution is on everyone's mind, employing the favoured European solution - the bicycle - makes sense. Yet our government has determined that two wheels are mostly not a good way of getting from place to place and has essentially reduced this mode of transport to a recreational vehicle.

The reasons stated in Transport and Planning Department reports are that the terrain is not conducive to bicycles and that narrow roads and heavy traffic make cycling unsafe. As a result, bicycle lanes along roads are rare and bridges, flyovers and tunnels are out of bounds for cyclists.

This view of an activity that is rightly regarded as healthy, energy-efficient and non-polluting has filtered through to the transport sector, which has either banned or put restrictions on people with bicycles. Despite a recent Planning Department report concluding that cycling "is essentially a recreation sport", bicycles are even prohibited from 90 per cent of trails in country parks.

This has long frustrated our small but dedicated cycling community and made for limited training opportunities for sports cyclists, who now include a world champion in the men's 15km event, Wong Kam-po. The lack of provision for cyclists beyond the network of recreational bicycle tracks being created in the New Territories also means that any cyclist taking to the roads can fairly be described as foolhardy.

Police statistics back such a conclusion: 10 cyclists were killed last year and two last quarter. More than one-tenth of traffic accidents involve bicycles - even though cars, buses and trucks greatly outnumber them. The death and injury toll is less a matter of safety than of unwillingness by the government to acknowledge that cycling is a sensible and viable transport alternative.

If bicycle lanes were made obligatory on new roads, drivers educated about the rights of cyclists and train and ferry operators encouraged to carry bicycles, a cycling culture like that in Europe would evolve. Our roads would consequently be less congested, the air cleaner and the community healthier and happier.

LCQ20: Cycling facilities and promotion of cycling
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Government Press Release

Following is a question by the Hon Frederick Fung and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Housing, Ms Eva Cheng, at the Legislative Council meeting today (April 30):

Question:

Regarding cycling facilities and the promotion of cycling, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of a breakdown by district council district, of the locations of all public cycle tracks, bicycle parking spaces and cycle parks, the responsible government departments (including the design, planning, construction and management of these facilities), as well as the respective numbers of traffic accidents involving bicycles in various districts last year and the resultant casualties;

(b) whether it has assessed if there is any overlap in the functions of the above government departments, and how these departments should be coordinated to make them accountable to the public for their work in ensuring the safety of cycling facilities and reducing traffic accidents involving bicycles, and whether it will consider formulating a central policy on cycling and setting up an inter-departmental committee to coordinate the management of cycling facilities and promotion of cycling; and

(c) whether it will consider studying the effect of encouraging the public to cycle on air quality and health, and whether it will cooperate with local cycling organizations to offer cycling training courses to all primary school pupils for free or at low fees?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) & (b) The total length of public cycle tracks, the number of bicycle parking spaces and leisure venues with cycling facilities in Hong Kong, with a breakdown down by district council district, are set out at Annex 1. The locations of cycle tracks are at Annex 2, and those of leisure venues with cycling facilities are at Annex 3. Since the number of bicycle parking spaces is very high and such spaces are widely distributed in each district, we have not set out all the information and the detailed locations. If Members would like to know the locations of the bicycle parking spaces in public places and within public housing estates of individual districts, we can provide the detailed information.

The number of traffic accidents and casualties involving bicycles in 2007, with a breakdown by district, is at Annex 4.

The functions of the various government departments in the design, planning, construction, management and maintenance of cycling facilities are set out at Annex 5.

We consider that while the functions of the various departments are finely delineated, there is no overlap in these functions. The departments have also been cooperating closely in the planning and design of cycling facilities. In addition, Transport Department is responsible for coordinating the safety of cycling facilities. At this stage, we do not consider there is a need to set up an inter-departmental committee to coordinate the management of cycling facilities.

(c) Hong Kong is densely populated. To strike a balance between the need to alleviate traffic congestion and air pollution, we have all along been actively pursuing the policy of having the public transport system as the main transport mode and encourage the public to make use of the mass public transport system and other public transport services. Railway is the backbone of our transport system, with franchised buses and public light buses providing feeder services to the railway network so as to reduce vehicles on road and their impact on air quality. As the road network and public transport system in Hong Kong are well developed, the general road traffic is heavy and road space is limited, under our transport policy and based on road safety and traffic considerations, we do not encourage the use of bicycles as a transport mode in the urban areas.

Cycling is a recreational activity which is good for both physical and mental health. Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) provides subvention to the Hong Kong Cycling Association on a yearly basis under the School Sports Programme for organisation of cycling training courses and activities for primary and secondary students in Hong Kong. The Programme includes the Demonstrations, the Easy Sport Programme and the Outreach Coaching Programme. Participating schools may conduct their training and demonstration in their school campuses or in LCSD venues where bicycles are provided. In 2007-08, LCSD organised a total of 59 training courses for about 3,200 participants and the subvention accounted for about 70% to 85% of the programme expenses.

LCSD also provides subvention to the Hong Kong Cycling Association on a yearly basis for the organisation of Cycling Proficiency Course for members of the public aged between 6 and 55 in all districts. The content includes basic cycling skills and knowledge on the structure of bicycles so as to enhance the participants' interest in cycling.

Coastline cycling track under study
12 March 2009
South China Morning Post

The government is exploring the possibility of building a cycling track that will connect the coastline between Central and Siu Sai Wan, development minister Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has confirmed in writing to lawmakers.

She said the Development Bureau was conducting two studies that would explore proposals to introduce eco-friendly transport systems to the promenade, including a cycling track and electric trolley buses.

But sources from the Planning Department said sections of the track might fall outside the waterfront area as the coastline was broken at certain spots in North Point and Wan Chai.

Mrs Lam said in a document submitted to the Legislative Council yesterday that a study of the eastern harbourfront, from Siu Sai Wan to the east of the Convention and Exhibition Centre, would begin in the next few months and be completed late next year. An outline of the Central harbourfront development is expected to be ready by the end of this year.

The department will consult Eastern District Council by the end of this month about the possible alignment of a cycling track.

Councillors had earlier proposed linking the break-off points by building the track on a boardwalk under the Island Eastern Corridor.

Mrs Lam said the government would examine the compatibility of the track with nearby land uses, associated facilities and implications for road safety and traffic management. A government source said it was unlikely that the cycling track would be connected to district centres. "The track is meant to be a leisure facility inside the promenade, not a means of transportation for people to go to work. Besides, there are many developments around the harbourfront," the source said.

The Hong Kong Cycling Alliance welcomed the plan.

Given the horrible air quality in Hong Kong, is it healthy to bike in the urban areas?

It wasn't a problem for me when I was younger, but it may harm the health of older people and those with asthma.

Given the horrible air quality in Hong Kong, is it healthy to bike in the urban areas?

It wasn't a problem for me when I was younger, but it may harm the health of older people and those with asthma.

Road-side pollution is an issue in congested streetscapes that is exemplified by the canyon effect, but once by the waterfront, the sea breezes will blow the pollutants away.

I would very want to take that bike trail myself!

I need to find a reason to ship my bicycle back from North America. :)

$2.2b puts cyclists on track
Hong Kong Standard
Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Cyclists can look forward to biking their way from Tsuen Wan to Sha Tin - via Sheung Shui and Fan Ling - on a 112-kilometer, HK$2.2 billion trail.

The trip, with several rest stations along the way, will take them through wetlands and conservation areas. The price tag for the New Territories project, which will be ready in five years, works outs at about HK$20 million a kilometer.

A government spokesman said the aim is to promote leisure cycling and bike tours as well as creating 1,600 jobs.

The Development Bureau will begin work in September to connect Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Sheung Shui, Fan Ling, Tai Po, Sha Tin and on to Ma On Shan by 2014.

The network consists of an 82km backbone made up of two sections - Tuen Mun to Ma On Shan and Tsuen Wan to Tuen Mun - and branches totaling 30km from Tuen Mun to Lung Kwu Sheung Tan, Ma On Shan to Sai Kung and Yuen Long to Nam Sang Wai.

Work on a HK$230 million, 5km subsection between Sheung Shui and Ma On Shan is also set to begin in September for completion by 2012.

The project includes improvement and landscaping works to existing tracks, provision of more road signs, construction of entry/exit areas near the Sheung Shui and University MTR stations, rest stations and other facilities.

This first phase will create 227 jobs while the entire scheme will create 1,600 jobs. Pollution from construction will be kept to a minimum, the spokesman said.

The government will also invite tenders for building a 1km track in Wu Kai Sha. It is also designing a track on Che Kung Miu Road. A track in Tin Shui Wai will open at the end of this year.

The Hong Kong Cycling Tour Association said walkers often use cycle tracks and it hopes there will be signage on the new track to keep them apart.

Meanwhile, the Development Bureau is seeking HK$64.9 million to convert the Old Tai O Police Station into a heritage boutique hotel. It will be the first project under the Revitalizing Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme for which an application for funding will be submitted to the Legislative Council. It will create 103 jobs during construction and 10 full- and 10 part-time jobs when the hotel opens.

The Commissioner for Heritage's Office will in future tell owners of Grade I historic buildings of the status and historical significance of their buildings and their eligibility to apply for financial assistance to maintain them. Where buildings face demolition, the Antiquities Authority will give protection by making them proposed monuments.

Cyclists show Tsang way to greener city
The Standard
Monday, September 20, 2010

Cycling enthusiasts pedaled from Central to North Point and back yesterday to encourage people to drive less.

More than 900 riders took off from Chater Road in Central at 9am, proceeding to Admiralty, Causeway Bay, Tin Hau and North Point before returning to Central to complete the 12-kilometer ride.

About seven times more cyclists took part than in last's ride, Greenpeace said.

"We are pleased that more people have stood up to support and act on climate change this year. An increasing public green sense has made the event more popular," campaigner Prentice Koo Wai-muk said.

"Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen and his team should also echo public action to abandon high-emission vehicles and use public transport when commuting to work," Koo added.

He said Tsang did not have to drive the 300 meters from his residence at Government House to his desk at the Central Government Offices.

According to a Greenpeace study, Tsang and three senior secretaries drive high-emission cars.

Hong Kong has more than 430,000 registered private cars, generating over 3,420 tonnes of carbon emissions a year. It also has the highest vehicle density in the world, averaging 315 cars per kilometer of road, Greenpeace added.

Sean Wong Ho-yan, a 25-year-old property agent, said cycling is a good opportunity to exercise while promoting green awareness.

"Everyone can contribute to a better and greener Hong Kong," Wong said.

He said 90 of his colleagues joined the event.

Greenpeace also called on government officials to take the lead by not using their vehicles to mark "Car Free Day" on Wednesday.

The Environment Bureau said the government will fully support "Car Free Day" and continue to encourage the use of public transport, although it failed to name officials who will use public transport or walk to the office that day.

Bicycles are good :)

I think bicycles are good when safe. The reclamation on HK island would hopefully draw some more cyclists.

CpJ5bUJ9GSM

great video.

many urban cycle paths do not give bikes enough priority, but the rural and suburban paths in HK are great.

Cycling the path to a vibrant harbourfront
11 February 2011
SCMP

Victoria Harbour has more than 50 kilometres of shoreline, yet many of us only see the water's edge when we board a ferry. Vast tracts of our waterfront are inaccessible, derelict, underused or misused.

There is agreement to develop these areas to provide enjoyable harbourside access for all.

Amid extensive land reclamation for the new Central-Wan Chai bypass, designs for this area offer large piazzas, with al fresco dining and with plenty of "vibrancy". This is the image that many of us have of the new harbourfront.

The government has committed to a continuous waterfront on both sides of the harbour. But surely we are not going to build 50 kilometres of piazzas?

The local plans for the Wan Chai-Central area and various sites in Eastern District all assume that people will arrive from inland, often quite a walk from existing transport networks. This would concentrate arrivals at a few relatively accessible locations, which would probably be intensively managed.

To truly open up the Hong Kong Island harbourfront - all of it - people have to be able to get to it easily.

A cycle path along the 13.5 kilometre island coastline would provide that connectivity. Many locations are otherwise hard to get to, hidden behind tunnel entrances, roads and fixed developments.

But, by bike, it is easy to reach these out-of-the-way places, rendering them useful and creating a harbourfront that has its own character and an independent existence. Fortunately, the northern shore of Hong Kong Island has very little development or private usage that would impede a continuous harbourfront cycle/pedestrian path, once the road construction is complete.

With easy movement along its length and vastly more locations for the public to use and enjoy, the path would spawn countless diverse activities, especially non-commercial ones, such as choir practice at dusk, candle-light picnics, fishing, treasure hunts, an annual office dinner by bike to a new seafood restaurant, canoe clubs, craft goods sales, a sponsored hop along the waterfront - the list is endless. Real vibrancy comes through the unpredictable efforts of others.

Of course, a continuous and connected cycle path would be a fantastic feature in its own right, as can be seen in so many other cities that have acted to encourage cycling.

The path would be popular for getting across Hong Kong Island quickly and safely, handy for getting to the ferries, perfect for peacefully enjoying the harbour, and an excellent way to encourage more people to cycle.

It would also attract tourists, improve our health, lower pollution (air and noise) and help strengthen the contribution that cycling makes to Hong Kong.

Tomorrow morning, hundreds of regular and occasional cyclists will ride together from Kennedy Town to Shau Kei Wan, calling for a continuous harbourfront cycle path on Hong Kong Island. Everyone is welcome.

Martin Turner is chairman of the Hong Kong Cycling Alliance.