Over the past two weeks or so, one of the most captivating highlights in the Rio Olympic Games for Hong Kong people must be the two track cycling events participated by Sarah Lee Wai-sze, the Cycling Goddess of Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate.  Every time she appeared on the track, many Hong Kong people would hold their breath in front of the television, cheer for her and share the happiness and sorrow together.  As posted by many netizens, “We win and lose together with her”.  Regardless of the outcome, everyone in Hong Kong is proud of her sportsmanship as displayed by her perseverance and board-mindedness.

In addition to the support and training provided by the Home Affairs Bureau for elite athletes, we hope to provide the community with more sports-related infrastructure for more people to enjoy it.  Construction of cycle tracks and mountain bike trails (MBTs) is one of the directions that the Development Bureau is working on diligently.  In recent years, we have been striving to press ahead the New Territories (NT) Cycle Track Network project, which will link up the existing isolated cycle track sections in the NT by improving the existing cycle tracks and constructing new ones.  When completed, the project will provide a cycle track of about 82 kilometres long running through the east and west of the NT.  The main section from Tuen Mun to Ma On Shan (starting from Tuen Mun in the west and reaching Ma On Shan in the east via Yuen Long, Sheung Shui, Fanling, Tai Po and Sha Tin) will be about 60 kilometres long, while the main section from Tsuen Wan to Tuen Mun (to be built along the seafront from Tsuen Wan to Tuen Mun) will be some 22 kilometres long.

In view of the length of the entire cycle track network and the extensive area it covers, we are taking forward the project in phases for early public enjoyment of the cycle track sections once completed.  The Sheung Shui to Ma On Shan section was open to the public in March 2014, while works for the Tuen Mun to Yuen Long section will be completed by the end of this year.  Separately, works for the Yuen Long to Sheung Shui section are expected to be completed in early 2020.  By that time, the entire 60 kilometre-long main section from Tuen Mun to Ma On Shan will be completed, which will provide a cycle track with better connectivity and facilities for the public.  Based on the cycling speed of the general public, it will take about six hours to complete the entire route.  I believe that it will satisfy the leisure needs of most Hong Kong people who love cycling.

We are now prudently carrying out works for the main section from Tsuen Wan to Tuen Mun in phases.  With the Tsuen Wan District Council’s support for the section between Tsing Tsuen Bridge and Bayview Garden in mid-2015, the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) gazetted the related works early this year with a view to securing resources to commence works as soon as possible.  For the sections between Bayview Garden and Ting Kau; and between Ting Kau and Tuen Mun, the CEDD is reviewing the alignment design and implementation strategies, as many local residents raised strong objection to the proposed cycle track alignment during public consultation several years ago, on the ground that the works would cause nuisance to the residents or adverse impact on the environment and landscape.  Moreover, the sections concerned are also subject to a number of physical constraints, including presence of a number of steep slopes, beaches, coastlines and private properties along the Castle Peak Road.  In view of this, we are now engaging consultants for commencement of the detailed design of the cycle track section between Tuen Mun and So Kwun Wat later this year, with a view to formulating a proposal that is both cost-effective and acceptable to the public.

Meanwhile, comprehensive cycle track networks will be built in new development areas under planning such as Hung Shui Kiu and Yuen Long South to encourage residents using bicycles for commuting and to create a green community.  As for the Tung Chung New Town Extension which has recently obtained funding support from the Legislative Council, we will construct a cycle track network along the waterfront and walking trails to link up most of the leisure facilities and spots of historical, cultural and natural value in the area so as to enable the public to experience a more diversified cycling journey.

Mountain biking, a more challenging sport, has also been gaining popularity in recent years.  The CEDD has recently engaged a consultant to carry out the detailed design and construction supervision for the expansion of the MBT networks in Mui Wo and Chi Ma Wan, South Lantau.  The project mainly includes construction of (i) a training ground of about 4.5 hectares near Lai Chi Yuen Tsuen and ancillary facilities; (ii) MBTs with a total length of about 6.3 kilometres connecting the proposed training ground to Mui Wo, and joining the two ends of the existing Chi Ma Wan MBTnear Shap Long Chung Hau area to form a loop network; and (iii) a bikers’ gathering place and an entrance to the proposed MBT at Mui Wo Ferry Pier Road.  The works are expected to finish by the end of next year.

It is worth noting that the design concept of sustainable development will be adopted when building the MBTs.  Natural or recyclable materials will be used as far as practicable, and the alignment of the MBTs will resemble the terrain to minimise tree felling.  In addition, the design will incorporate soil erosion measures to protect the surrounding areas and reduce the wear and tear of the trails.

We will strive to implement the above cycle track and MBT projects for public enjoyment at an early date, which will hopefully help promote the cycling sport in Hong Kong and let more people share the fun of cycling.  It may also help produce more outstanding athletes such as HUNG Chung-yam, WONG Kam-po, Sarah Lee Wai-sze, and two-time Asian Games cross-country mountain biking medalist Chan Chun-hing.  I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all Hong Kong athletes who participated in this year’s Olympic Games.  Their unbeatable spirit of striving for the best regardless of the outcome has motivated each and every one of us.  Let’s all learn from our athletes and continue to serve Hong Kong in our respective positions with perseverance and courage.