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Author Archives: wheeliefine

Harbourfront cycleway on the IEC boardwalk

January 19th, 2012 | Posted by wheeliefine in Harbourfront Cycleway | transport | uncategorised - (0 Comments)

On 12 January, HKCAll took the harbourfront cycleway a step closer to reality with a presentation to the Hong Kong Island Task Force of the Harbourfront Commission.  We showed how the Island Eastern Corridor boardwalk, proposed by Planning Department’s consultant, would be enhanced by and could accommodate the cycleway.

See the HKCAll paper and presentation.

At the end of the meeting, CEDD undertook to incorporate the cycleway into its upcoming initial design consideration for the two-kilometre boardwalk.

 

Visionary Transport Infrastructure Study 2030

January 3rd, 2012 | Posted by wheeliefine in cycle tracks | Harbourfront Cycleway | transport | transport - (0 Comments)

A new report from the Hong Kong Construction Association, working with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong, called ‘Visionary Transport Infrastructure Study 2030′, proposes that Hong Kong should become “A City with a Green and Efficient Transport Infrastructure”.

A key element is a policy to promote cycling, along with walking, as transport modes, including:

– proper integrated consideration of cycling in transport planning

– a target modal split for cycling (and one for walking)

– linking districts along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island (this is mentioned under walking but highlights the value of connectivity)

– improved connectivity and management of cycle tracks in new towns

– improved planning, provision and management of cycle parking,

– enhancing education and awareness about cycling

– public cycle hire schemes

 

See the report here:
http://www.hkca.com.hk/front/vitran2030.pdf

 

Clean Air Network petition – support now!

December 29th, 2011 | Posted by wheeliefine in advocacy - (0 Comments)

Hong Kong’s Air Quality Objectives (AQOs) have not been revised in 24 years and exceed the standards recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) by two to four times. This is a serious threat to public health. The Government’s repeated promises to revise the AQOs are belied by its continuing failure to act – for three years, so far.

Clean Air Network (CAN) and Friends of the Earth (HK) are hosting a sign-up petition urging the Government to act now.  All signatures will appear in a full-page spread in a major newspaper and will be compiled and presented to the Environmental Protection Bureau. Many medical, environmental, business, sports and community groups, including HKCAll, are joining to express their concern at our dreadful air pollution.

The petition calls on the government to:

1)      update the Air Quality Objectives, in order to better protect public health;

2)      include fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in its official air quality monitoring;

3)      set up additional protocols to ensure regular review of air quality policy.

Read the Chinese / English official letter, and then, we suggest, sign up at the CAN website or “like” their Facebook page. 

 

Own the lane

December 21st, 2011 | Posted by wheeliefine in law - (0 Comments)

In my court case about cyclists’ right to use the lane like any other road user (occupying it, in the centre, when it would be dangerous for other vehicles to overtake), the prosecution has collapsed (it will ‘offer no evidence’) even before tomorrow’s hearing starts.

While this means we ‘win’ the case, it robs us of the chance to show publicly that the Road Users’ Code is out of line with modern thinking on this issue. And we had a very solid case. But at least now if anyone else is similarly charged, there is a legal defence ready to roll. Seriously – make a mental note and tell them to drop us a line, here at info@hkcyclingalliance.org

Would someone you know like to try cycling?

December 12th, 2011 | Posted by wheeliefine in advocacy | events - (0 Comments)

Just in from CAN, the Clean Air Network:

A once-in-a-lifetime cycling experience at Stonecutters Island!

Raise your hand if you are a cycling amateur! Don’t miss this rare opportunity to cycle in the urban oasis of Stonecutters Island. Sponsored by Shamshuipo District Council, CAN, for the first time, has organized a cycling day to promote the use of zero-emission vehicles. The event is free of charge and open to all participants over the age of 15. Participate by submitting an application form.  Spaces are limited – first come, first served! Click here for further details.

Date: SUNDAY,  8TH JANUARY 2012
Time: 9am-12pm
Eligibility: Age 15 or above
Application Deadline: Wednesday, 28th December 2011
Fee: Free of charge (bikes will be provided)

— content in Chinese —

 

Ecomobility conference

November 16th, 2011 | Posted by wheeliefine in advocacy | events | uncategorised - (1 Comments)

A conference in December, hosted by the Hong Kong Foresight Centre, will bring together stakeholders to see how Hong Kong can develop a more environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive way of local mobility, combining the use of non-motorized means of transport such as walking, cycling and wheeling with the use of public transport and light electric vehicles, provided electric power stems from renewable energy sources.

Would you like to take part?  (exact date to be announced)

http://www.hkforesight.org/?page_id=66

Cycling UK to Hong Kong, for WaterAid

October 25th, 2011 | Posted by wheeliefine in touring - (1 Comments)

Two British cyclists, Micheil Gordon and Jon Lee, are now cycling overland to Hong Kong, having left the UK six months ago.

They are raising funds for WaterAid, a very worthy cause.

Details and blog: http://hongkongcycle.co.uk/

Hong Kong Cycling Alliance has been in touch with them through their amazing journey, and we will be there to welcome them on their arrival in Hong Kong on Tuesday 15 November.

Can you come along to cheer them in?

Mandatory use of cycle tracks

September 8th, 2011 | Posted by wheeliefine in cycle tracks | law - (0 Comments)

Is it prohibited to cycle on a road if a cycle track is available?  Yes, and there are prosecutions for it.  In a test case, we might argue that a cycle track is NOT ‘a portion of a road’.

Road Traffic (Traffic Control) Regulations – Regulation 51, Additional rules for bicycles, tricycles and rickshaws

(5) Where a portion of a road is set aside for bicycles or tricycles no person shall ride a bicycle or a tricycle on any other portion of the road.

A TV API (c2009) told cyclists they must use a cycle path [if there is one].  Tone was negative: ‘you cyclists have to be controlled’.

Compare UK, where the Highway Code says that “Use of cycle lanes is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.”

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Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress

September 8th, 2011 | Posted by wheeliefine in events | meetings - (0 Comments)

If you are in Queensland, or have the wherewithal to get there next week:

The Asia-Pacific Cycle Congress

18 – 21 September 2011
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

Cycling experts and enthusiasts from around the world and hear first-hand about technical approaches to cycleway planning and strategies for reaching critical velocity in cycling mode share.

line-up of keynote and guest speaker presentations
events, tours and exhibitions

website

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Harbourfront cycleway – talking to the Harbourfront Commission

September 2nd, 2011 | Posted by wheeliefine in Harbourfront Cycleway | meetings - (0 Comments)

Next Wednesday (7 Sept 2011) HKCAll will present a proposal for the harbourfront cycleway to the Harbourfront Commission.  This is a fantastic opportunity to get some serious force behind this project, which we have all been pressing for so long.

Our team is beavering away these few weeks to get it all ready.

Please take a look at the route we are proposing.

What do you think?