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Letters

Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification.
Cycling in Hong Kong is seen as a leisure activity. To enable us to enjoy this economic and eco-friendly mode of transport, what should the government do?
Long-term urban planning is essential.
In the Dutch city of Utrecht with a population of 360,000, the train station provides 22,000 bicycle parking spaces. Such parking garages are an indispensable part of the Dutch transport network.
In 2012, the Dutch government allocated €221 million for bicycle parking, and by 2019, there were 500,000 parking spaces nationwide. Another 100,000 spots will be added by 2025.
In Hong Kong, space should be designated for bicycles when new development areas are being designed, and cycling needs should be considered during urban redevelopment.
Furthermore, to protect cyclists, it should be made mandatory for them to wear helmets.
Globally, more than three-fifths of cyclist-related casualties involve head injuries. In Hong Kong, as many as 69 per cent of cyclists who suffered severe injuries were not helmeted. In 2021, bicycle accidents accounted for more than 16 per cent of traffic accidents.
The effect of compulsory helmet wearing is clear. In Singapore, relevant legislation took effect in 2019. From 2010 to 2020, the cycling mortality rate plummeted by 61 per cent, to just 1.2 per million residents, the lowest in Asia-Pacific.
Cycling safety was discussed in the Legislative Council at least four times from 2017 to 2022. The Hong Kong government proposed a helmet mandate for cyclists as recently as July last year. It is hoped that the legislation can be enacted as soon as possible to protect cyclists.
In the Netherlands, a study was conducted on whether for individuals, the health benefits of cycling would outweigh the risks, including higher exposure to air pollution and traffic accidents.
The study found that on average, the benefits of cycling were about nine times larger than the risks of cycling, as measured in life years gained or lost. Cycling was especially beneficial for those aged 65 or over, who were expected to make the largest gain in life years.
Given that Hong Kong is already a “hyper-aged society”, where one in five is elderly, does this research hold deeper implications for us?
Dr Winnie Tang, adjunct professor, faculties of engineering, social sciences and architecture, University of Hong Kong
Golf course site not needed after all
So the Town Planning Board is allowing further deliberation today on partial development of the Fanling golf course site.
In 2018, the Task Force for Land Supply conducted public engagement on four short- to medium-term land supply options, six medium- to long-term options and eight conceptual options. One short- to medium-term project involved developing Fanling golf course land east of Fan Kam Road to yield 4,600 flats; a related project yielding 13,000 flats was mentioned as a medium- to long-term option. This set of options gained marginally positive public support (54 to 62 per cent).
After announcing a go-ahead in 2019, the government proposed building 12,000 flats on 9 hectares by 2029, but is still taking back all 32 hectares east of Fan Kam Road. At huge cost to a historic golf course, and substantial risk to rare trees.
However, a district planning officer admitted at a Town Planning Board hearing that the proposed 12,000 flats would be surplus to estimated demand.
So why is partial development of the golf course site needed?
John Berry, Pok Fu Lam
More effective measures needed to discourage smoking
I am writing in response to “The eyes have it: Hong Kong minister says disapproving stares from public will discourage smokers from lighting up in restricted areas” (July 14).
Why would people do this? Would staring at smokers benefit them in any way? Instead, as one lawmaker pointed out, this might trigger conflict. Would this not create more problems than we can solve?
To implement effective measures, the source of issues must be looked into. To curb smoking, the government should consider swiftly banning flavoured cigarettes and expanding no-smoking areas, instead of launching a public consultation exercise on tougher rules.
Lucas Lee, Sha Tin


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To walk the pet-friendly path, Hong Kong needs a comprehensive policy

Hong Kong transport

How to make Hong Kong a healthier, more bike-friendly city

The Cross Bay Link opens to the public on December 11, 2022. Photo: Elson Li 

Citybus should go full-on electric, rather than chase the hydrogen dream

Bus fans wait to board an electric double-decker developed by Bravo Transport, the parent company of Citybus, in 2022. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

Hong Kong housing: let’s rehouse indigenous villagers in high-rises

An aerial view of village houses in Yuen Long in 2019. Photo: Winson Wong 

Opinion

Readers discuss how to promote cycling and health, the Fanling housing plan, and anti-smoking measures


Readers discuss how to promote cycling and health, the Fanling housing plan, and anti-smoking measures.


Hong Kong housing

Smoking and vaping

.css-sioo19{color:#c79a00;}Letters | How to make Hong Kong a healthier, more bike-friendly city

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}Readers discuss how to promote cycling and health, the Fanling housing plan, and anti-smoking measures

Letters | How to make Hong Kong a healthier, more bike-friendly city

Readers discuss how to promote cycling and health, the Fanling housing plan, and anti-smoking measures