To ensure the safety of mountain bikers and protect environment in the countryside, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department announced today (September 10) that two sections of mountain bike trails in country parks with serious erosion and potential hazards will be cancelled with effect from 1 October, namely the trail from Pak Tam to Pak Sha O in Sai Kung West Country Park, and the ridge section of the Dragon’s Back mountain trail in Shek O Country Park. Mountain biking activities will no longer be allowed on the above-mentioned trails on or after the effective date. However, the foothill section of the Dragon’s Back mountain bike trail will be maintained, but excluding Sundays and public holidays to strike a balance between the needs of hikers and mountain bikers.
Moreover, mountain biking in the Wan Tsai Peninsula of the Sai Kung West Country Park (Wan Tsai Extension) will be limited to designated trails with effect from 1 October. Compared to the existing arrangement that mountain biking is allowed in the whole peninsula, the new arrangement is intended to protect the vegetation of the peninsula and ensure the safety of mountain bikers.
In addition, the AFCD will make new arrangements for all mountain bike trails from 1 October onwards including clearer naming of sections and trails to facilitate management by the department and use by the bikers. The number of these trails will also increase from 10 to 15.
A spokesman for the AFCD said, “The AFCD will implement the above new arrangements based on the results of the review of the existing mountain bike trails. The AFCD has liaised closely with the relevant stakeholders during the consultation and gathered their views. The AFCD will display relevant information on its website (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_mou/cou_vis_mou.html), at visitor centres and at entrances/exits of mountain bike trails, to enable mountain bikers to learn more about the new arrangements.
“The AFCD will continue to explore the development of new mountain trails at appropriate locations, define the level of difficulty for each trail and adopt appropriate technical designs for mountain bikers’ selection to enjoy the fun of mountain biking.”
The AFCD will continue to enhance the recreational experience of mountain biking in country parks, including inviting trail specialist to look into improving High Junk Peak mountain bike trail and Hoi Ha to Wan Tsai mountain bike trail. The AFCD is also erecting signage, such as distance posts, in phases along each mountain bike trail, so bikers can quickly locate themselves in case of accidents. Improvement works are also being undertaken by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) on the mountain bike trail of Lantau South Country Park, and a new mountain bike training ground near Mui Wo and various connecting mountain bike trails are being constructed by the CEDD. The new trails will provide brand new spots for mountain cycling enthusiasts in the near future.
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