Riding a bicycle to work may seem like an act of madness to most Hongkongers, but it is a dream that is attainable if the government starts integrating cycling into the transport system, a forum has heard.
In a first for the city, experts, cyclists and frustrated members of the public urged the government yesterday to turn what had been seen as a sometimes difficult recreational activity into a regular mode of transport to make Hong Kong more liveable.
They also called for a review of transport planning, cycling districts in areas such as Kai Tak and Tseung Kwan O, and a cyclist advisory board with community, sport and professional representatives.
Jan van der Grift, who was invited to Hong Kong to share the Netherlands' experience in making cycling part of the national transport strategy, said it had faced similar constraints in transforming itself from a country dependent on cars into a greener, cycling-based community.
Mr van der Grift is the co-ordinator of Interface for Cycling Expertise, an international non-governmental organisation that promotes low-cost mobility and integrated cycling planning.
'When you have congestion, you build more roads,' he said. 'New roads attract more cars and you build more roads.