Earlier this month, Hong Kong’s athletes achieved remarkable results in the 12th Chinese National Games, bringing home a total of seven medals including one gold, three silver and three bronze medals. Our well-known cyclist Lee Wai-sze, who grew up in the poor neighbourhood of Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate, won a track-cycling gold medal in the women's keirin event with her great sprinting prowess, fully demonstrating her pedigree as an Olympic bronze medallist. In addition, Chan Chun-hing and Cheung King-lok won bronze medals in the men's mountain bike cross-country event and the men's individual time trial event respectively.
Hong Kong has many outstanding athletes and members of the cycling team are particularly well-known to us. Among them are the “Prince of Cycling” Wong Kam-po, a three-time Asian Games champion, and Hung Chung-yum, who once participated in the Junior European Championship and was named best overseas cyclist.
Cycling has always been seen as a relaxing holiday activity suitable for the whole family. While Hong Kong’s cycle tracks are mainly built for recreational purposes, we should make full use of them to nurture our interest in the sport of cycling. As summer gives way to autumn, it is a most pleasurable experience to cycle in the countryside, not only to enjoy the lovely weather and warm sunshine, but also to refresh body and mind.
Recently, we proposed a 104-kilometre cycle track network running through New Territories East and West. The network covers two main areas, namely the Tuen Mun to Ma On Shan Section (about 60 km) and the Tsuen Wan to Tuen Mun Section (about 22 km), as well as a number of branches.
These cycle tracks have been designed to incorporate as many attractive scenic spots and heritage sites as possible, so that people can enjoy the fun of cycling and fantastic views of Hong Kong at the same time. For example, along the Sheung Shui to Ma On Shan Section due for completion soon, we can find the Liu Man Shek Tong Ancestral Hall in Sheung Shui, King Law Ka Shuk in Tai Po, Island House in Yuen Chau Tsai, Tai Po Waterfront Park, Pak Shek Kok Promenade and more.
We will also provide the necessary facilities, including entry/exit hubs and resting stations, within the cycle track network. Since the hubs are built as main entry/exit points to give people access to the network, they will be located near public transport facilities. Travellers can begin their journeys by renting bicycles there. Facilities such as toilets, practising areas, refreshment kiosks, information boards and first aid stations will also be made available at the hubs.
As cycle tracks are recreational facilities for the community at large, we attach great importance to community engagement in their design. For instance, to enhance the planning of some of the track sections, the Civil Engineering and Development Department earlier this year organised the Cycle Parking Rack Design Competition, which was well received with more than 100 creative and innovative entries. We announced the results in June and the concepts of the winning entries will be incorporated in the design of the parking racks at the entry/exit hubs and rest stations.
Years ago, when planning and developing new towns such as Sha Tin, Tai Po, Fanling, Sheung Shui, Tin Shui Wai, Yuen Long and Tuen Mun, the Government set up cycle tracks to address local needs and allow residents easy transport access. Today, to connect cycle tracks in different districts, we have to listen to the views of the local residents in tackling such issues as limited space and environmental impacts. We have consequently adopted a stage-by-stage approach so as to complete some of the sections as soon as possible.
We have gained a lot of valuable experience in the course of developing the cycle tracks. We have learned that if a cycle track is built near a residential area, the local residents may raise objections as they are concerned about noise, nuisance or even safety issues involving the bicycles and pedestrians.
In addition, when designing the routes of the cycle tracks, we would like to make sure that they run through areas of beautiful natural landscape. However, since the new facilities may have an impact on the nearby ecological environment, we must pay particular attention to whether the cycle tracks can blend in environmentally and whether there will be any undesirable consequences after the construction works are completed.
Although the cycle track network is not a major infrastructure project, its construction is far from easy. We have sounded out the public’s opinions and exchanged views with members of the Legislative Council and the District Councils, resident groups, environmental groups, cycling clubs, etc. We understand that our work can never be perfect in every aspect, but we will make it our goal to improve the quality of life in Hong Kong by raising the standard of our work and protecting the environment through active communication with the community and local residents.
22 September, 2013
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