Press Releases
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More country parks cycling trails open under permit system
Four more trails in country parks will be opened for cycling activities under a permit system starting from February. The new trails include the footpath from Hoi Ha to Wan Tsai Peninsula in Sai Kung West Country Park, circular track from Route Twisk to Tai Lam Chung in Tai Lam Country Park, a coastal trail from Mui Wo to Pui O and trails on Chi Ma Wan Peninsula in Lantau South Country Park. An Agriculture and Fisheries Department (AFD) spokesman today (Friday) said the recommendations to open four selected trails was approved by the Country Parks Committee of the Country and Marine Parks Board at a meeting earlier this month. He said the selection of the new trails was carefully conducted after a review of the current cycling permit system which was first introduced in late 1997. He said: "In view of the increasing demand and popularity of cycling activities, the Country and Marine Parks Authority reviewed the permit system and considered a number of recommendations for new trails. The spokesman pointed out that 619 permits were issued to cyclists using the four existing sites in Sai Kung West (Wan Tsai Extension) Country Park, part of Hong Kong Trail in Shek O Country Park, catchwater road from Pui O to Kau Ling Chung and Chi Ma Wan Country Trail in Lantau South Country Park. "On reviewing the existing trails, all these areas are found to be functioning quite well. 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 trails," he said. The spokesman stressed that comments from cycling organisations had been fully taken into consideration in the selection of new trails. He said: "The potential risk of these new trails is low, while possible conflict with visitors is slight and environmental impact is not serious." He said those interested to apply for a cycling permit in the designated sites should write to the Country and Marine Parks Authority, 14th floor, Canton Road Government Offices, 393 Canton Road, Kowloon or by fax 2317 0482. No permit fee will be charged. "Group applications or applicants under the age of 12 will not be accepted, and applicants aged between 12 and 18 should seek endorsement from their parents or guardians on their application letters," he said. Furthermore, permittees should observe the code of practice for cyclists and comply with the safety equipment requirement including ANSI or similar 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. "After all, these practices and measures are to ensure the safety of both cyclists and hikers in permitted areas," he added. He stressed that it was 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. "An offender is liable to a maximum fine of $2,000 and imprisonment for three months upon conviction." The spokesman noted that there were a number of areas in country parks where no permit would be required for cycling activities: 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 permit system are available from the Country and Marine Parks web site (http://www.afdparks.gov.hk) and Country Parks facsimile hotline 2733 2300 or 2485 3250. |
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