Press Releases

New mountain biking trails to open in Tai Lam
Thursday, December 30, 2004

Twenty-nine kilometers of new mountain biking trails at Tai Lam Country Park will be opened on January 3, 2005 by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

The new trails comprise the forest tracks from Route Twisk to Tai Tong and Sham Tseng and the earth trail at the northern bank of Tai Lam Chung Reservoir, which is part of the MacLehose Trail Stage 10.

They will link up with the existing Ho Pui Mountain Bike Trail and Siu Lam Mountain Bike Trail to form an extensive biking network of 49.5 kilometers. The no-cycling restriction at the Siu Lam Mountain Bike Trail during Sundays and public holidays will also be lifted. The whole new cycling network will be renamed Tai Lam Mountain Bike Trail, and it will be opened every day.

A department spokesman today (December 30) said the new network would provide more venues for mountain biking, which had become more popular over the years.

"We have been constantly looking for suitable new trails to cater to growing demand. The new biking network has been endorsed by the Country Parks Committee of the Country and Marine Parks Board," he said.

Mountain biking enthusiasts, however, should be aware of the difficulties of some rough sections of the new network, he said, adding that greater mutual understanding was required of different park users when sharing the use of country park trails.

"Cyclists should observe the code of practice for cycling and comply with safety requirements, such as standard helmets and suitable bikes. On the other hand, country park visitors should be careful with an anticipated increase in cycling activities," he said.

A permit is required for cycling on any designated mountain bike trails. Application forms are available on the department's website and at its headquarters, 5/F Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, 303 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon. No permit fee will be charged.

Group applications or applicants under the age of 12 will not be accepted. Applicants under 18 should ask their parents or guardians to endorse their applications.

Details of mountain biking trails are available on the department's country and marine parks website at http://parks.afcd.gov.hk/newparks/eng/country/bicycle/index.htm.