Cycling track network to grow

October 24, 2012

The Civil Engineering & Development Department is developing the main sections and branching-off sections of the New Territories cycle track network in phases.
 
Secretary for Transport & Housing Prof Anthony Cheung told the Legislative Council today the main sections will measure 82km, including the portion stretching from Ma On Shan in the east to Tuen Mun in the west, connecting Sha Tin, Tai Po, Fanling, Sheung Shui, and Yuen Long, and the main section running from Tuen Mun to Tsuen Wan.
 
The Ma On Shan to Sheung Shui section, which is scheduled for completion next year, includes the construction of a new 5km-long track and improvements to connecting tracks.
 
The branching-off sections, with a total length of 23km, will also be developed, including new tracks from Tuen Mun to Lung Kwu Tan, Ma On Shan to Sai Kung, and Yuen Long to Nam Sang Wai.
 
Mr Cheung said the work on tracks connecting Sheung Shui to Yuen Long and Tuen Mun includes the construction of a 15km-long new cycle track and improvement of the existing connecting tracks. The Government is discussing with green groups how to alleviate the environmental and ecological impact of the track alignment.
 
To expedite progress, he said the administration is considering proceeding first with the construction of the cycle tracks with less environmental and ecological impact. Construction will start next year for completion in 2017.
 
Works for the main section from Tsuen Wan to Tuen Mun and other branching-off sections cannot start yet, he said, as there are conflicting views on track alignment from residents at Sham Tseng and Nam Sang Wai, or due to more complex environmental impact assessments. The Government will strive to complete the statutory procedures and detailed design of the non-contested sections as soon as possible.