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Get on your bike: calls for bigger push to make Hong Kong more cycle-friendly

Campaigners say Hong Kong should look to Taiwan for biking inspiration

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Cyclists have been lobbying the government to make cycle-friendly changes to roads on Hong Kong island, from Kennedy Town to Heng Fa Chuen, for more than 10 years. Photo: Felix Wong
Rachel Blundy

There are 57,700 public bicycle parking spaces in Hong Kong, according to the government, but it seems hardly any of them are being used on a daily basis.

Cycling campaigners have long warned Hong Kong is slipping behind other international cities when it comes to bicycle-friendly initiatives; they estimate there could be fewer than 10,000 people who make their entire daily commute to work or school by bike.

They maintain this is particularly concerning given the city’s rising number of private car owners and increasing air pollution problems.

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Lawmakers certainly appear committed to developing cycle lanes in new developments, such as Yuen Long South and Hung Shui Kiu, and have invested considerably in purpose-built cycle track venues. But they have emphasised their reluctance to modernise existing urban areas to make them bicycle-friendly. Historically, the authorities have also warned against cycling on the city’s roads, suggesting they are too congested and dangerous.
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William Fung, an architect and co-founder of campaign group City Cycling Action, said the government desperately needs to revise its approach and should look to Taiwan, specifically Taipei, for cycling inspiration.

“Taiwan is doing a great job,” he said. “They have bicycle lanes on the main road, and sometimes allow bikes to ride on the pavement. They also have a good urban bike renting system. All these policies show they have a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle in the city. I could imagine Hong Kong could be like that. We really want this to happen and we want to work with the government.”

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