Friday, June 5, 2009

Conference on “Hong Kong on the Bicycle”


Bimalka, May 2009

During our preparatory course at Bangkok, my self and Linh had a plan to buy our own bicycles and travel to Polytechnic University and around Hong Kong. Well, when we arrived to Hong Kong, we realized that our plan is just a dream……………. with unsupported cycling infrastructure in urban area and “No cycling” sign boards. When we heard about the conference on “Hong Kong on the Bicycle” on 23rd May 2009, we were eager to be part of it.


This was organized jointly by the Fringe Club, The Conservancy Association, Designing Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Cycling Alliance, HKCI.net and the Hong Kong Mountain Bike Association at Fringe Theatre in Central. The event was sponsored by the Consulate-General of the Netherlands. Discussion was focus on should cycling be limited to sports and recreation, or should it be recognized as a legitimate form of Transport; is Hong Kong ready for commuting by bicycle; is it possible for vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles to share roads safely.

Prof. Hung Wing-tat, Director of the Conservancy Association chaired the conference. Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) official made a presentation explaining Government plan on cycle track network in the New Territories to increase the recreational value. Transport Department representative share his view on recent trend of bicycle accidents in Hong Kong refereeing to accident statistics and their effort in promotion bicycling safety through education and publicity. Other Speakers pointed out that Hong Kong government sees cycling as a recreational activity, however consider difficult to deal as a regular transport mode. It was highlighted the policy environment and conflicts for cycling in Hong Kong. Lawren from Web master of Hong Kong Cyclist Information Net; made a presentation by giving the counter examples of the changing cycling mode in China and Taiwan, to forecast the changes of development of cycling in Hong Kong. It was also pointed out that Hong Kong has limited roads where cycling at speed can take place safely, if cycling is to be given a fair ride and given special recognition. It was further said that more education of drivers or cyclists are need as to how these roads can be safely shared. Andrew, member of Yuen Long District Youth Forum preparatory committee, explained that as an active youth group how they involve in Yuen Long District to promote cycling for low income groups. His presentation includes, bicycle parks in the area, usage and current problems that they are facing. Some of the suggestions that they presented was very interesting to improve bicycle parks in the area. Audience brought up the importance of cultivating the concept of sharing of space among road users, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians. Most interesting speaker to me was Mr. Jan van Der Grift who spoke taking examples from the cycling cases in the Netherlands. He speech gave the audiences more hope and how to put in practice on cycling as a regular transport mode.


I was glad to be part of this fruitful discussion. Sri Lanka too has similar issues in the urban areas having narrow road, inadequacy of cycling infrastructure, issues on safety/ cyclist crashes, conflict between other road users and cyclists etc...By a show of hands, the forum participants agreed to call on the government to act as follow;
•Plan and facilitate cycling as a mode of regular transport
•Provide routes and facilities which are coherent, direct, state, comfortable, attractive and environmentally sustainable.
•Initially, prioritize the New Territories, islands and new urban zones as cycling districts which can be extended to the entire territory
•Cultivate the sharing of space by motorists, cyclists and pedestrians
•Create a cycling advisory board with representatives from community cycling concern, sports and professional bodies
•Require public transport companies to review/ relax their current practices regarding carrying bikes on board so as to enhance making cycling as integral part of the whole Transport system.

Hope future Hong Kong will have infrastructure for safe and environmentally sustainable place for cyclists that inspire our dream come true.

Three day visit to Environmental Protection Department


Bimalka, March 2009

After completing the literature review on vehicle emission control strategy in Hong Kong, Prof Wing tat has arranged my self and Linh to visit EPD during the month of March. During my three day visit (6th, 17th and 18th March) programme was facilitated by Mr. John Wong, Environmental Protection Officer and Mr. SM Wong, Chief Environmental Protection Inspector of Vehicle Emission Control Section, Mobile Source Control unit.

This was a great opportunity for me to clarify unclear area of SVCP. I collected related information’s such as Road Traffic Ordinance, code of practice (COP), accreditation procedures of the centres and other related regulation procedures that in return help to improve our on-going programme in Sri Lanka. It was also gave me a chance to discuss malpractices, overcome corruption, how the equipment auditing, data recording is carried out by HKEPD. I also understand how the data transfer from the testing centres to EPD, how testing proceed at the centres etc.


Second day of my visit, Mr. SM Wong made a presentation on Smoky Vehicle Control Programme. Then we went to Remote Sensing testing site with Mr. William Wong and get experience on advanced equipments and techniques used. This activity was arranged by EPD for my request to study on going research work in the field of Remote Sensing. I greatly appreciate EPD for responding for my request and making necessary arrangements with Environmental Technology Consultants (ETC) Ltd. officials. They have selected a site closer to EPD and ETC officials explained the testing procedures. This gave me experience on how remote sensing technology was used for screening dirty Petrol and LPG vehicles and also how EPD carry out research activities with relevant organizations. After that we visited the designated imported vehicle testing centre laboratory belongs to ETC. Gary Parker gave me an excellent explanation on laboratory equipments. This gave me experience on how the testing is proceed at the centres and also collect related forms and documents that in return to improve Sri Lankan Programme.


On the third day we went to Yuen Long in New Territories to visit Vehicle Emission Testing Centre belongs to Crown Motors Ltd. When I went there I felt that John and SM have selected the best center for me to visit. This centre is responsible for EPD enforcement mechanism for diesel vehicles below 5.5 tonnes and also for diesel vehicles above 5.5 tonnes (for medium and heavy goods vehicles, single and double deck buses, and special purpose vehicles. This center has a designated CTC under Transport Department providing annual roadworthiness testing for petrol private cars and light goods vehicles below 1.9 tonnes. During our stay there was two light goods trucks and one double deck bus were present for testing. Also there were three petrol cars to receive annual roadworthiness testing from TD DCTC. Therefore I got exposure of all three type of testing equipments and how the testing was proceeding at the center.

I highly appreciate EPD for taking time from their busy schedule and sharing experience and knowledge related to Smoky Vehicle Control Programme and for their hospitality during my three days visit.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY 2009

Let's celebrate world environment day 2009 with theme "Your Planet Needs You-UNite to Combat Climate Change"