Anita Lam – Mar 12, 2009 – SCMP
The government is exploring the possibility of building a cycling track that will connect the coastline between Central and Siu Sai Wan, development minister Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor has confirmed in writing to lawmakers.
She said the Development Bureau was conducting two studies that would explore proposals to introduce eco-friendly transport systems to the promenade, including a cycling track and electric trolley buses.
But sources from the Planning Department said sections of the track might fall outside the waterfront area as the coastline was broken at certain spots in North Point and Wan Chai.
Mrs Lam said in a document submitted to the Legislative Council yesterday that a study of the eastern harbourfront, from Siu Sai Wan to the east of the Convention and Exhibition Centre, would begin in the next few months and be completed late next year. An outline of the Central harbourfront development is expected to be ready by the end of this year.
The department will consult Eastern District Council by the end of this month about the possible alignment of a cycling track.
Councillors had earlier proposed linking the break-off points by building the track on a boardwalk under the Island Eastern Corridor.
Mrs Lam said the government would examine the compatibility of the track with nearby land uses, associated facilities and implications for road safety and traffic management. A government source said it was unlikely that the cycling track would be connected to district centres. “The track is meant to be a leisure facility inside the promenade, not a means of transportation for people to go to work. Besides, there are many developments around the harbourfront,” the source said.
The Hong Kong Cycling Alliance welcomed the plan.