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Following is a question by the Hon Timothy Fok and a written reply by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho, in the Legislative Council today (December 14):
Question:
As a cyclist was killed some time ago in a collision with a public light bus during a cycling road race, will the Government inform this Council of:
(a) the measures to be taken in future cycling road races to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents; and
(b) the currently permitted locations for holding cycling competitions, and whether additional cycling competition and training facilities will be provided; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) As a recognised national sports association promoting cycling activities in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Cycling Association (HKCA) is required to take appropriate safety measures for different cycling events and races in accordance with the safety requirements of the Union Cycliste Internationale in order to protect the safety of participating cyclists. To enhance the safety of cycling road races and to prevent the recurrence of similar accidents, the Administration is working with the Executive Committee of the HKCA in carrying out a thorough review of the existing arrangements for cycling road races. The purpose is to devise a safety plan so that cycling races can be conducted more safely in the future. Consideration will be given to selection of suitable road sections for races, feasibility of road closure, erection of traffic/warning signs, deployment of wardens and police officers of the Traffic Branch to provide assistance on site, and wider publicity of the race zone via the media. As in the past, the Administration will work closely with the organisers and support the local development of cycling as a competitive sport in a regulated and coordinated manner.
(b) At present, sports centres, playgrounds and parks managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department are available for holding various types of cycling events such as artistic cycling, cycle ball and BMX. Such venues include Lai Chi Kok Park, Chai Wan Park, Western Park, Kai Tak East and Cheung Fat Sports Centres. Track racing can be held in the velodrome located inside the Hong Kong Sports Institute. As for road races, there are no designated venues. The HKCA will give regard to the nature and requirement of the event and apply to the Government in using suitable road sections on Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories, such as Bride's Pool, Pak Tam Chung and Concorde Road in Kowloon City.
The Administration is currently discussing with HKCA on proposals to convert the roller skating rinks at Kwok Shui Road and Tai Tau Leng, and the five-a-side football pitch on Kwai Shun Street into BMX venues.
Ends/Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Issued at HKT 13:18
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