For many families in Hong Kong, riding bicycles from Sha Tin to Tai Po has become a great way to spend time together at weekends. But through the success of Wong Kam-po, who won the world 15km scratch race title in 2007 and Marco Kwok Ho-ting, who emulated the feat in March this year, cycling is also a competitive sport attracting increasing numbers of children.
Joining a club teaches correct riding technique, develops the right attitudes for riding in a team, and builds social relationships with other riders.
'Team or group riding requires each person to follow basic principles of respect for others in the group. Children need to understand that they are riding as one and supporting each other while they are out on the road. Attitudes towards riding safely are also important for children to develop,' says Szeto.
Xspeed runs an elementary course for children aged between seven and 10 who can already ride.
It includes manoeuvres such as turning, stopping, doing figure-eight turns and the use of hand signals. Cost is HK$600 per month for non-members for two hours of instruction and practice weekly. For more able riders, aged nine to 11, the course focuses on developing fitness and a sense of discipline. Emphasis is placed on developing the correct attitudes to road cycling. Cost is HK$900 per month for non-members for a two-hour session, twice weekly.