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Why bike-sharing in crowded Hong Kong is not a good idea
I am writing in response to your article on the Singapore model for bike-sharing (“Should Hong Kong look to Singapore to make its bike-sharing scheme a success?”, March 31).
For starters, I do not think the bike-sharing scheme is suited to Hong Kong. Ours is a small city, with over 7 million people crammed into just over 1,100 sq km. The roads are always crowded with vehicles and pedestrians, and traffic jams are a daily annoyance.
I understand that riding a bicycle is more environmentally friendly, or more convenient, and sometimes perhaps even faster.
Shared bikes in Singapore used as ‘clothing racks, dangled from bridges and abandoned at shipyards’
However, we still do not have a good network of designated cycle lanes. It is not safe to go cycling among high buildings and along narrow roads, where accidents can happen easily.
Further, not all people are aware of – or follow – proper driving etiquette. And if bikers themselves are unable to control their speed or to tackle sudden situations, it is an added risk.
If you’re riding a bike next week, Hong Kong police will be watching you
Moreover, the bike-sharing scheme has also affected the image of Hong Kong, with some users abandoning the bikes by the side of the road or even in a river, wasting resources and inconveniencing other users.
Hong Kong has a perfect transport network, with MTR, bus, minibus, tram, and ferry services. I don’t think it is necessary to ride a bike to work or school. This just adds to traffic congestion.
Wendy Wong, Kwai Chung
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