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Saturday, Feb 22, 2025
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Views sought on last lap of cycling link
People are being asked their opinions on the final 17 kilometers of the cycle track network connecting New Territories East to West as part of the track could be on reclaimed land, says the Secretary for Development, Bernadette Linn Hon-ho.
She said in her blog yesterday that part of the 82-kilometer cycle track network has opened for service, including the 60km Tuen Mun to Ma On Shan backbone. The track, which was opened in September 2020, starts from Tuen Mun and passes through Yuen Long, Fan Ling, Tai Po and Sha Tin on its way to Ma On Shan.
The remaining 22km track from Tsuen Wan to Tuen Mun has been partly completed. A 2.3km track on Tsuen Wan Waterfront was opened in July last year.
Another three-kilometer track between Tuen Mun to So Kwun Wat will be developed once the Legislative Council approves the funding next year.
The last 17km section from Tsuen Wan Bayview Garden to So Kwun Wat is still under planning.
"It is the last missing section to form a complete loop in the New Territories Cycle Track Network," Linn said. The intended construction of the track will come with supporting and recreational facilities.
Yet construction of the last section of the track faces environmental limitations. Limited developmental land and steep slopes on Castle Peak Road pose challenges to construction. Cycle tracks will be built in tunnels, retaining walls or coastal cycle bridges.
The government suggested adding pedestrian paths and rest areas for cyclists to enjoy the harbor view.
The facilities can also allow cyclists to appreciate landmarks such as the grade III historic building Homi Villa. Linn said the Civil Engineering and Development Department has proposed to connect the track with a new waterfront promenade in Sham Tseng. The promenade will be built on reclaimed land and provide recreation and community facilities.
The government urges people to give their views on the track. The New Territories Cycle Track Network was proposed by the department in 2008 to connect citizens from East to West.
A network of cycle tracks will allow citizens to ride from Tsuen Wan to Ma On Shan, passing by Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Sheung Shui and University Station upon completion.
The remaining 22km track from Tsuen Wan to Tuen Mun has been partly completed. A 2.3km track on Tsuen Wan Waterfront was opened in July last year.
Another three-kilometer track between Tuen Mun to So Kwun Wat will be developed once the Legislative Council approves the funding next year.
The last 17km section from Tsuen Wan Bayview Garden to So Kwun Wat is still under planning.
"It is the last missing section to form a complete loop in the New Territories Cycle Track Network," Linn said. The intended construction of the track will come with supporting and recreational facilities.
Yet construction of the last section of the track faces environmental limitations. Limited developmental land and steep slopes on Castle Peak Road pose challenges to construction. Cycle tracks will be built in tunnels, retaining walls or coastal cycle bridges.
The government suggested adding pedestrian paths and rest areas for cyclists to enjoy the harbor view.
The facilities can also allow cyclists to appreciate landmarks such as the grade III historic building Homi Villa. Linn said the Civil Engineering and Development Department has proposed to connect the track with a new waterfront promenade in Sham Tseng. The promenade will be built on reclaimed land and provide recreation and community facilities.
The government urges people to give their views on the track. The New Territories Cycle Track Network was proposed by the department in 2008 to connect citizens from East to West.
A network of cycle tracks will allow citizens to ride from Tsuen Wan to Ma On Shan, passing by Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Sheung Shui and University Station upon completion.
