Press Releases
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AFCD reviews country parks cycling tracks The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has opened a new cycling track in Sai Kung West Country Park and modified two of the eight existing tracks after a recent review of cycling in country parks under a permit system. An AFCD spokesman said today (September 29) that the new cycling track would start from Pak Tam, pass through Yung Shu O and Sham Chung, and end at Pak Sha O. "This ninth new track, to be opened in October, will bring cyclists to an unexplored coastline in Kei Ling Ha Hoi and the best scenic spots of Sai Kung. "The Shek O cycling track will have a new circular route between Wan Cham Shan and To Tei Wan as this will enable cyclists to have better access to public transport. "The track in Tai Lam Country Park has been modified by closing part of the track damaged by serious landslide and establishing an escape route for cyclists to leave by Ho Pui village," he said. The spokesman said the changes were made in response to requests of individual cyclists and mountain bike associations. The proposals were approved by the Country Parks Committee of the Country and Marine Parks Board at a meeting earlier this month. He said that the cycling permit system was first introduced in November 1997. In the past 12 months, about 1,000 cycling permits had been issued. The other six cycling sites include the Wan Tsai Extension and footpath from Hoi Ha Village to Wan Tsai Peninsula in Sai Kung West Country Park; and the catchwater road from Pui O to Kau Ling Chung, Chi Ma Wan Country Trail, footpath on Chi Ma Wan peninsula and coastal trail from Mui Wo to Pui O in Lantau South Country Park. "On reviewing the existing tracks, it was observed that there was no significant damage to the surface of footpath, and no littering was found associated with cycling activities. "There had been no serious accident reported nor any complaint from hikers or other visitors on the cycling activities along the approved tracks. It also had not created any adverse environmental impact to country parks," the spokesman said. He said that comments from cycling organisations had been fully taken into consideration in selecting and amending the tracks. Any person interested to apply for a cycling permit in the designated sites should write to the Country and Marine Parks Authority, 5th floor, Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon or by fax 2317 0482. No permit fee will be charged. The Authority will not accept group applications and applicants under the age of 12. Those aged between 12 and 18 should seek endorsement from their parents or guardians on their applications. "It is an offence to bring into or drive, use or be in possession of any vehicle or bicycle within a country park or special area without permit. "Upon conviction, an offender is liable to a maximum fine of $2,000 and three months' imprisonment," he added. He also reminded permit holders to observe the code of practice for cyclists and comply with the safety requirements, including standard helmet, colourful jerseys, suitable shoes, sturdily built bike with effective braking system, horn or bell and tyre of not less than 4.5 cm in width. Some areas in country parks are allowed for cycling without permits. They include Plover Cove Main Dam and its access road, Hok Tau Road, Kam Shan Road, Lau Shui Heung Road, Shing Mun Road, Tai Mong Tsai Road, Pak Tam Road, Hoi Ha Road and a cycling track at Tai Mong Tsai. Further details on the cycling permit system are available at the Country and Marine Parks website (http://parks.afcd.gov.hk) and Country Parks facsimile hotline 2736 7539 or 2485 3250. |
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