Concrete Analysis | Is Hong Kong developing into a bike-riding city?
Developers can play a role to encourage people to ride to work by providing in buildings, more bicycle parking areas, shower and locker facilities
The recent launch of Hong Kong’s first bike-sharing app has ignited hopes that the city is finally developing into a bike-friendly city, though the subsequent news about rental bicycles being found in Shing Mun River was slightly discouraging. Nonetheless, we believe this will not hinder its development, as it is in fact, an inevitable global trend.
The bike-sharing business has been robust in China, with over 30 companies offering mobile bicycle rental services. Tim Cook, Apple CEO, even visited the Beijing-based Ofo, a bike-sharing platform that successfully raised HK$3.5 billion, and rode on the firm’s signature yellow bikes in March this year.
In Hong Kong, there have been discussions on the extension of the cycle track network at the Kai Tak Development, the 320-hectare project covering the ex-airport site with some adjoining districts, and according to the proposed government blueprint, a bicycle lane that will connect key spots in the area with the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.
The bike-sharing business was only first introduced to Hong Kong months ago by GoBee.Bike, despite its extensive penetration across the border in the mainland. The rental app offers 1,000 bicycles at the initial stage and supports services at Tai Po, Sha Tin and Ma On Shan.
The bike-sharing business was only first introduced to Hong Kong months ago ... despite its extensive penetration across the border in the mainland
The system has, however, created certain issues over the past few months. In addition to the abandon of rental bikes, irresponsible parking has also aroused public concerns.
With no current designated bike racks for these rental bikes, they are parked in public areas which could cause inconvenience to the general public. Regulators cannot take action against such illegal parking due to the lack of a proper registration system.