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New threat to NT Cycle Track Network 新界單車徑網絡新威脅

January 25th, 2012 | Posted by wheeliefine in advocacy | cycle tracks - (1 Comments)

The section of the New Territories Cycle Track Network alongside Sai Sha Road (between Sai Kung and Ma On Shan) is now scheduled for completion in 2015 (the timetable has slipped).  It is one of the most anticipated, as this road is a critical link for Sai Kung residents and visitors and – notoriously – is closed to cyclists (from the Tai Mong Tsai roundabout to the restaurants in Nai Chung) on Sundays and public holidays.  (It is narrow too, which in the absence of a culture of road sharing, means it can be less than pleasant to ride.)

But in worrying news, CEDD has apparently decided (or is considering) to delegate construction of a one-kilometre stretch of the cycle track, from Nai Chung to Tai Tung (map), to a developer, Sun Hung Kai, that is building in that area.

What assurances do we have about when this section will open?  And about the track specification?  Why is CEDD not able to retain control?

幾經推遲，政府現計劃於2015年完成沿西沙公路的新界單車網絡(西貢至馬鞍山段)。無疑對於西貢居民或郊遊人士來說，這是最關鍵的一段路，也最值得期待﹔但由大芒仔迴旋處至南涌餐廳的一段，卻以在週日及公眾假期嚴拒單車人士使用而惡名昭著(而且此段路面狹隘，加上沒有共享道路的文化，代表著沿此路騎單車趣味缺缺)。

同時令人擔憂的是，土木工程署已顯然決定(或考慮)將南涌與大洞(地圖)之間一公里的單車徑外判與已在該區域發展中的新鴻基。
試問誰來保證這段路段何時可以開放使用？誰來保證單車徑的建築標準？為甚麼土木工程署總要假手於人、不能保留控制權？

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

 

How Bikes Can Save Us

December 27th, 2011 | Posted by Hong Kong Cycling Alliance in cycle tracks | transport | transport - (1 Comments)

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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