{"id":10185,"date":"2025-04-23T12:35:41","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T12:35:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/2025b\/?p=10185"},"modified":"2025-10-02T05:36:52","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T05:36:52","slug":"cyclinginhongkong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/2025b\/cyclinginhongkong\/","title":{"rendered":"The Demise of Cycling in Hong Kong"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_position=”top” sticky_enabled=”0″ da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_menu menu_id=”266″ fullwidth_menu=”off” logo=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/2025b\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/AlbedoBase_XL_a_black_professional_bicycle_with_transparent_b_2.jpg” logo_width=”19%” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” menu_font=”Roboto Serif|–et_global_heading_font_weight|||||||” menu_font_size=”15px” menu_line_height=”1.1em” text_orientation=”justified” menu_text_shadow_style=”preset3″ menu_text_shadow_horizontal_length=”0.06em” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_menu][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”Section” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” parallax=”on” background_enable_video_mp4=”off” background_enable_video_webm=”off” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=” The Demise of Cycling in Hong Kong” header_fullscreen=”on” header_scroll_down=”on” scroll_down_icon=”%%9%%” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”Rubik Glitch||||||||” title_text_align=”center” title_font_size=”85px” content_font=”Roboto Serif||||||||” content_text_align=”center” background_enable_color=”off” background_video_mp4=”https:\/\/jmsc6110a.com\/2025b\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/tuned-header-1-1.mp4″ min_height=”861.9px” custom_padding=”||90px|||” text_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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Once a popular pastime for Hongkongers, cycling has seen a steady decline in recent years.<\/p>\n

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C<\/span>ycling has always been a simple joy for many in Hong Kong \u2014 Whether it’s a ride along the waterfront, or an urban exploration with friends. However, the bustling roads, inadequate bike lanes, and limited government support have pushed enthusiasts away from the pedals.<\/p>\n

Although the industry returned to the spotlight during the pandemic, once things returned to normal, the same old challenges crept back in.<\/p>\n

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CHAPTER 1 : TO BIKE OR NOT TO BIKE<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I loved cycling more than ever, but now…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width=”60%” custom_padding=”|50px||50px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Roboto Serif||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” width=”100%” min_height=”144px” custom_padding=”|50px||50px|false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

L<\/span>ike many Hongkongers, Alex Au started cycling in his school days. Beginning with casual days out with his friends on weekends, renting bicycles from stalls in around the Sha Tin and Tai Po area, soon his love for cycling grew and grew and led him to purchasing his first bike.<\/p>\n

Au\u2019s passion for cycling didn\u2019t stop there. Not before long, Au finds himself modifying his own bike, adding accessorizing and parts. He even began to learn how to assemble his own bikes.<\/p>\n

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\u201cBuilding a bicycle takes a lot of effort,\u201d Au, 23, said. \u201cI\u2019m not a professional, just a hobbyist. Sometimes changing a single component can take half a day.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alex hasn\u2019t seriously worked on his bike in nearly three years, dating back to around his third year of university as academic pressure, and later work commitments started to get in the way. During the same time, he obtained a driver\u2019s license \u2013 leading to an unexpected turn.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe biggest issue is that I have a driver\u2019s license now, if I get caught breaking the law while cycling, it could get me into trouble.\u201d Au recalled that one of his friends, also a licensed driver, had three points deducted from his license for violating regulations while cycling.<\/p>\n

Under current Hong Kong laws, bicycles on the road have the same status as motor-driven vehicles. If cyclists violate traffic laws while riding, they are subject to the same punishments as drivers. However, if cyclists do not possess a driver\u2019s license, those punishments would be delayed until the offender obtains a driver\u2019s license. That means, if these unlicensed cyclists will remain guilt-free, if they never plan to get a driver\u2019s license.<\/p>\n

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Alex developed an interest in cycling at young age. Credit: Rachel CHAN<\/p><\/div>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Roboto Serif||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” custom_padding=”|50px||50px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Despite the rules not helping cyclists in Hong Kong, the COVID-19 pandemic, however, brought a temporary revival of cycling in Hong Kong.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople were stuck in the city and were looking for outdoor activities,\u201d Au said. \u201cSo, cycling got popular again for a while. But the ones who truly loved it \u2014 they kept going. To them, It wasn\u2019t just a fad.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Despite the surge in interest during the pandemic, Alex felt that the government hasn\u2019t done enough to support or promote cycling to ride on the crest of this wave of popularity. He remembered there were plans to construct a bike trail along Castle Peak Road years ago.<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/a>
Alex was once an avid bicycle enthusiast, dedicating significant efforts to building his own bike. Credit: Rachel CHAN<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/a>
Po Kong Village Road Park has one elevated cycling track that is approximately one kilometre in length. Credit: Rachel CHAN<\/div><\/div>
<\/a>
The cycling area in Po Kong Village Road Park is a good place for children to practice their bicycle skills. Credit: Rachel CHAN<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

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\u201cBut that project just vanished. There\u2019s been no follow-up,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

One exception, Au added, is the cycling track that now stretches across the New Territories. \u201cIt\u2019s a good initiative that links different areas.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut Hong Kong\u2019s urban environment deeply unfriendly to cyclists, particularly in Kowloon.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople can\u2019t ride on the sidewalks, and there are no any proper bike paths,\u201d he said. \u201cIf you cycle on the road, the traffic\u2019s heavy, the lanes are narrow, and cars pass dangerously close.\u201d<\/p>\n

The lack of parking options also discouraged people from incorporating bicycles into their daily routines. \u201cThe setup in Hong Kong do not provide a transit station for cyclists to park their bike securely, then hop on a bus or train. That\u2019s why biking as a daily commuting means doesn\u2019t really work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alex hoped there were more efforts made into fostering a stronger cycling culture locally, but only if it comes with real support systems.<\/p>\n

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Alex believes there is insufficient support for cycling in Hong Kong’s urban areas, citing the lack of parking spaces and proper bike paths as major issues. Credit: Rachel CHAN<\/p><\/div>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”Roboto Serif||||||||” text_font_size=”18px” custom_padding=”|50px||50px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

\u201cMore people riding bikes is a good thing,\u201d he said. \u201cBut without proper infrastructure, traffic policies, and basic facilities like parking and repair stations, it\u2019s hard for everyday cycling to take root.\u201d<\/p>\n

When asked what changes he\u2019d like to see, he emphasized education for both cyclists and drivers.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe need proper cycling education from a young age \u2014 how to signal, how to share the road, and how to maintain your bike,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd drivers need to treat cyclists as equals, not as obstacles.\u201d<\/p>\n

Au recalled a few near-death scenarios he encountered while cycling on local roads, \u201cSome drivers get impatient and try to squeeze past you, even when it\u2019s unsafe. It\u2019s really dangerous\u201d .<\/p>\n

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Though he stepped away from cycling in recent years, Alex hasn\u2019t let go completely. His modified road bike still sits in storage, tires deflated, frame collecting dust, but not forgotten.<\/p>\n

\u201cI still hope going on long rides again,\u201d he said. \u201cBut until Hong Kong starts treating cyclists differently, it just won\u2019t be part of my daily life anymore.\u201d<\/p>\n

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CHAPTER 2 : NO BUSINESS TO CYCLE<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt used to be abnormally money making.\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

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A<\/span>s normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland fully resumed, travelling north of the border for shopping trip has become part of citizens\u2019 daily lives parts, local-based activities like cycling has also suffered as a result.<\/p>\n

L.K.Bikes, a chain bicycle shop which has been operating for more than 40 years, was one of the affected shops. Its owner Addy Law said the industry’s environment has become “more and more miserable” after COVID-19. As his 3-year lease expired, he could only move out of his shop in the Hong Kong Velodrome in March earlier this year.<\/p>\n

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L.K.Bikes in Tseung Kwan O ceased to operate in March as the store contract has expired. Credit: Rachel CHAN<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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The interior of L.K.Bikes in Tseung Kwan O, all unsold goods are relocated to other Lung Kee stores. Credit: Rachel CHAN<\/div><\/div>
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On the final day of operations at L.K.Bikes in Tseung Kwan O, customers are selecting their favourite bicycles. Credit: Rachel CHAN<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

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\u201cLet’s say, if we sold 100 bicycles per month (on average during the pandemic), then it\u2019s now (only possible to) <\/span>sell<\/span> around 15 (per month). The difference is <\/span>pretty huge<\/span>.\u201d<\/span> <\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

“]<\/p>\n

\u201cLet’s say, if we sold 100 bicycles per month (on average during the pandemic), then it\u2019s now (only possible to) sell around 15 (per month). The difference is pretty huge.\u201d <\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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Law pointed out that the bicycle industry was already going downhill before the pandemic, many stores planned to close down \u2500\u2500 but the COVID-19 outbreak changed things. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

“During the pandemic, everyone was not allowed to leave Hong Kong, and when citizens wanted to entertain themselves, some choose cycling \u2500\u2500 even those who didn\u2019t usually do so would also buy a bike,\u201d he explained. \u201cIt was abnormally moneymaking.”<\/p>\n

However, as the pandemic subsided, Hongkongers\u2019 choice of leisure activities shifted again. With shopping trips to the Mainland becoming popular again, bicycle shops business started to be suffer.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe just happened to enjoy a peak year, and then suffered for the next 2 years,\u201d Law said.<\/p>\n

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Customers bid farewell to Addy on the final day of operations. Credit: Rachel CHAN<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Customers buying bikes on the final day during the clearance sale. Credit: Rachel CHAN<\/div><\/div>
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L.K.Bikes provided clearance sale on its final day. Credit: Rachel CHAN<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

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L.K.Bike\u2019s branch in the Hong Kong Velodrome closed in March of this year. Law said it was also because the contract terms from the government is unrealistic. ‘The contract doesn\u2019t change as long as there are no complaints.’<\/p>\n

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“(This current contract) contract is not very suitable for bicycle shop operators now.”<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cIt even states that you can assume that you will lose the next tender if you didn\u2019t receive a notification within 150 days before the contract expiry date.\u201d He said, adding that his shops only received notifications of winning a tender about two to three weeks before the commencement \u2013 an unrealistic timeline for bicycle shops as the move out or move in process often takens longest than the notice period.<\/p>\n

Law suggests the government notify the operator who won the next tender and the current operating shop about the results three months in advance through emails. He believes that this could allow both parties to make better preparations ahead of time, and the current operator no longer have to \u201cguess if he wins the next tender (until the contract expires).”<\/p>\n

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L.K. Bikes sells bicycles parts and other related supplies across various districts. Credit: Rachel CHAN<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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L.K. Bikes offers services including bicycle rental, repair, maintenance and modification. Credit: Rachel CHAN<\/div><\/div>
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L.K.Bikes provided clearance sale on its final day. Credit: Rachel CHAN<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n

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\u201cThey don\u2019t have the intention to support the industry.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

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According to Law’s understanding, the government seldom consults the views of bicycle operators when drafting contracts and designing bicycle kiosks. The terms were therefore impractical, such as restricting the shop from placing anything outside its doors.<\/p>\n

\u201cEven residents living in Tseung Kwan O for 10 years don’t know that this is a bicycle shop!’ <\/span><\/p>\n

“(Sometimes government officers) would come by and say that they received complaints about the bikes placed at the entrance,” Law said, adding that he doesn\u2019t have the outdoor space to place a parking rack for customers at the entrance as according to the contract. <\/span><\/p>\n

“When 10-ish cyclists come in (to get some supplies), should they push all their bikes (into my little kiosk)?”<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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“I have put forward my views many times, but there has never been any improvement,” he continued. “(If they don’t start to make improvements) Conscientious bicycle operators will leave the industry, there will only be fewer and fewer bicycle shops or bicycle repair services in Hong Kong.”<\/p>\n

“Those who are conscientious in operating bike stores are (now) dispiritedly pulling out from the industry, and there is no turning back.\u201d<\/p>\n

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CHAPTER 3 : REGIONAL COMPARISON<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Cycling in Hong Kong is considered as a leisure activity rather than a way to commute<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n

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I<\/span>n Hong Kong, plenty of people love to ride, but the reality is that the city still makes it hard. From limited cycling routes to unclear policies, it is quite obvious that there\u2019s still lots of room for improvement.<\/p>\n

Cycling in Hong Kong is considered as a leisure activity rather than a way to commute, most of the cycling routes are located in the countryside, that is, in the New Territories.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you want to ride a bicycle in the urban area, you will have no choice but to share the road with other vehicles. As long as you go on the road, your bicycle will be treated as a vehicle and <\/span>cyclists must adhere to a set of laws and regulations governing bicycle use.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before we explore how other places do it differently, take a quick quiz to see what you already know.<\/span><\/p>\n

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