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.