Following is a question by the Hon Lau Kong-wah and a written reply by the Secretary for Development, Mrs Carrie Lam, in the Legislative Council today (November 12):
Question:
Regarding the facilities of cycle tracks and the promotion of cycling tourism, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the number of complaints about the existing ancillary facilities of cycle tracks it received over the past three years, with a breakdown by the subject matter of such complaints; whether it has regularly inspected the existing facilities of cycle tracks and carried out improvement works with reference to public views;
(b) whether it will, by making reference to the efforts of other places (for example Taiwan and Europe) in encouraging cycling tourism activities, study ways to promote cycling tourism, including providing cyclists with information such as suggested routes and notes for guidance; and
(c) as there were several fatal traffic accidents involving bicycles in recent years, whether it has examined the ways to ensure the safety of cyclists when developing cycle track networks; if it has, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
President,
(a) The number of complaints received on the ancillary facilities of cycle tracks in the past three years is as follows:
| Facilities ---------- |
Number of Complaints -------------------------- |
| Bicycle parking spaces | 81 |
| Traffic signs | 60 |
| Railings | 83 |
| Bicycle rental/repair kiosk * | 2 |
* operated by Leisure and Cultural Services Department
The Government regularly inspects the cycle tracks and ancillary facilities under its maintenance purview to ensure that they are maintained in good condition for public use. For instance, the Highways Department inspects the cycle tracks under its ambit at least once every half a year. In addition, the Government reviews from time to time the adequacy of these facilities taking into consideration the usage of the cycle tracks and the adjacent road traffic as well as public opinions, and will make improvements wherever appropriate and practicable.
(b) According to overseas experience in developing cycling tourism, cycling routes usually link up various sightseeing spots, or integrate with nearby sightseeing spots to form a cluster of attractions. Safety is fundamental to well-developed cycling routes, along which ancillary facilities and services, such as safety and sanitary facilities, signage and convenient bicycle rental services, should be provided to travellers. The Government is liaising closely with the tourism industry and the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) on promotion of cycling tourism. HKTB is actively developing new tourism products including cycling tourism by making reference to the experience of other regions in the world.
Having regard to the planning of the relevant cycle track networks and the development of the local ancillary facilities, the Government will, in collaboration with the tourism industry and HKTB, study the demand for cycling tourism in the key source markets and the feasibility of developing cycling tourism. Starting from November 2008, HKTB together with the tourism industry will launch guided cycling tours under the Nature Kaleidoscope Programme to promote cycling travel activities around the Deep Bay and Mai Po areas in Northwest New Territories to overseas visitors so as to test out the market.
(c) In developing the cycle track networks, the Government will give due consideration to the design of the cycle tracks, including alignment, curvature, gradient, width, sight distance as well as connectivity with existing cycle tracks. Adequate lighting, traffic signs, road markings and railings will also be provided along cycle tracks to safeguard the safety of cyclists and other road users.
Ends/Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Issued at HKT 14:01
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