More than 50 cyclists took to the streets of Kowloon last night on a slow, silent ride to remember those killed or injured while cycling.
The international Ride of Silence is held annually and locally organised by the Hong Kong Cycling Alliance.
Starting at the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade clock tower at 7.30pm, the cyclists, aged from six to 60, rode to Jordan and Yau Ma Tei before returning an hour later. 'We are surprised at the number of cyclists who have made the effort to be here,' said an organiser, Martin Turner. 'Word seems to have spread among clubs and riders.'
The numbers this year were a significant increase on last year's 20 participants. The recent deaths of two children cycling in the New Territories prompted several parents to take part. 'How many more will there be? Or might there not be, if people were more alert to cyclists?' said alliance member Yan Kin-wai.
Cheng Kim, seven, died on May 7 when he was struck by a car outside his home in Tseung Kwan O. The car was allegedly driven by a teenage boy. In January, Kam Ho-wah, 12, was killed by a truck in Fairview Park, Yuen Long, while cycling to school.
A 46-year-old cyclist who was hit by a minibus in Sheung Shui last week continues to fight for his life in Prince of Wales Hospital.
