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Full steam ahead for the New Territories Cycle Track Network

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and promote the New Territories Cycle Track Network (NTCTN), the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) has organised the “CT60+ Cycling Rewards” for the public. I am pleased to have taken part in the kick-off ceremony earlier, and to see that the existing cycle tracks and facilities serve as pleasant spots for the public to spend their leisure time.

The Development Bureau is committed to taking forward the remaining sections of the NTCTN. This time, I have invited colleagues from the CEDD to share with you details of the “CT60+ Cycling Rewards”, and talk about the latest progress of the NTCTN.

New cycling fun with the “CT60+ Cycling Rewards”

Renowned cyclists WONG Kam-po and MA Wing-yu officiated at the kick-off ceremony of the “CT60+ Cycling Rewards”, which was also attended by Legislative Council (LegCo) members, representative of the Harbourfront Commission, Tsuen Wan District Council members, and so on. Mr CHONG Sing-pui, Patrick, Project Coordinator of the CEDD, says that during the event, 15 “check-in spots” are set up in two phases along the Tsuen Wan waterfront section and the Tuen Mun to Ma On Shan backbone section. Members of the public can scan the QR codes at the “check-in spots” with their mobile phones by 17 December, to collect “check-in” records for souvenir redemption. While “checking in”, they can also use the augmented reality (AR) filters to take photos with mascots of various government departments.

The final missing link of the NTCTN

The Government strives to establish a cycle track network connecting the east and west of the New Territories, with a total length of about 82 km. Mr Patrick CHONG, Project Coordinator of the CEDD, points out that the approximately 60 km-long Tuen Mun to Ma On Shan backbone section has been completed. As for the about 22 km-long Tsuen Wan to Tuen Mun backbone section, the 2.3 km Tsuen Wan waterfront section has been opened in 2021, while the implementation of the about 3 km section from Tuen Mun to So Kwun Wat will be prioritised as planned, subject to the LegCo’s funding approval next year. The remaining section to be taken forward is the approximately 17 km track between Tsuen Wan Bayview Garden and So Kwun Wat, which is also the final missing link of the NTCTN.

Complex site constraints on some of the tracks

According to Ms ZHANG Xu, Suki, Engineer of the CEDD, the cycle track between Tsuen Wan Bayview Garden and So Kwun Wat involves relatively complex site constraints, it is more challenging to construct this cycle track section than other tracks in the New Territories. For example, due to the limited space available on both sides of the Castle Peak Road and steep slopes along the route, parts of the cycle track will necessitate the construction of cycle bridges, subways or retaining walls along the seafront.

Provision of footpaths and resting stations

Ms Suki ZHANG also remarks that the nearshore proposal can reduce the impact of the works on Castle Peak Road and provide an opportunity to build footpaths and resting stations on suitable locations, so that both pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy the spectacular waterfront scenery along the route. There are also scenic spots and attractions along the cycle track, such as the Homi Villa, a Grade III historic building. We hope this track will enhance the connectivity of the scenic spots and attractions along the route.

Creating quality public space with Sham Tseng residents

In addition, through the cycle track construction in Sham Tseng, the CEDD hopes to enhance the environment of the surrounding communities, and has come up with the idea of a new promenade in Sham Tseng, expanding the activity space in the area by reclamation, not only to connect the cycle tracks, but also to provide other leisure, recreational or community facilities.

The CEDD is now conducting public engagement activities to collect public views on the implementation direction of the cycle track between Tsuen Wan Bayview Garden and So Kwun Wat. In particular, a workshop will be held regarding the proposed Sham Tseng promenade to understand the needs of local residents and amass community views, allowing members of the public to take up the roles of “place-makers” in co-creating a quality public space together. During the public engagement period, the CEDD will stage roving exhibition at different locations and offer virtual reality (VR) cycling experiences, to give the public a taste of the future cycle track and enjoy the scenery along the route. For details of the design of the works and public engagement activities, please visit the project website.

I hope you will take this opportunity to express your views on the cycle track between Tsuen Wan Bayview Garden and So Kwun Wat, so that the CEDD can take forward and finalise the implementation direction of the project as soon as possible, in order to complete the entire 82 km-long NTCTN for the public’s leisure and recreation uses, thereby enhancing their quality of life.

Please click on the image above to watch the video.

The Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) has organised the “CT60+ Cycling Rewards” to promote the New Territories Cycle Track Network (NTCTN) and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Pictured is the kick-off ceremony held earlier.

The ceremony has been officiated by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette LINN (centre); the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky LAU (first from the left); the Director of Civil Engineering and Development, Mr Michael FONG (first from the right); and cyclists Mr WONG Kam-po (second from the left) and Ms MA Wing-yu (second from the right).

The guests ride bicycles at the kick-off ceremony to enjoy cycling fun, and “check-in” at the “check-in spots”.

Mr CHONG Sing-pui, Patrick, Project Coordinator of the CEDD, says that members of the public can collect “check-in” records for souvenir redemption while cycling along the NTCTN by 17 December.

Ms ZHANG Xu, Suki, Engineer of the CEDD, remarks that there are quite a few attractions along the cycle track between Tsuen Wan Bayview Garden and So Kwun Wat, including the Homi Villa, a Grade III historic building.

The nearshore cycle track passes through stunning scenery, with views of the Ting Kau Bridge, Tsing Ma Bridge, etc.

The Government strives to implement the approximately 82 km-long NTCTN. As part of the network, Tuen Mun to Ma On Shan backbone section (about 60 km long) has been opened in 2020, while the Tsuen Wan to Tuen Mun backbone section, about 22 km long, is being taken forward in phases.

The remaining section of the NTCTN to be taken forward is the cycle track between Tsuen Wan Bayview Garden and So Kwun Wat, which is also the final missing link of the network.

With limited space on both sides of the Castle Peak Road in Tsuen Wan, parts of the cycle track will necessitate the construction of cycle bridges, subways or retaining walls along the seafront.

Pictured are cross-sections of cycle bridge proposals.

Pictured is an artist’s impression of a cycle track by the sea.

The CEDD is now collecting public views on the implementation direction of the project of the cycle track between Tsuen Wan Bayview Garden and So Kwun Wat.

During the event period of the “CT60+ Cycling Rewards”, members of the public can use augmented reality (AR) filters to take photos with mascots of various government departments while “checking-in” along the cycle tracks.

16 October, 2022

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