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Ng Kang-chung

The death of a mainland Chinese cyclist in a Hong Kong traffic accident has prompted calls for authorities to step up road safety publicity as bike tours become more popular among visitors, with various routes promoted on a major social media platform.
More mainland tourists have been opting for bike tours in Hong Kong in recent years but safety concerns arose after celebrity cycling vlogger Pan Haili, 31, was killed on Lantau Island on Sunday.
“After getting some tips from fellow users or influencers on Xiaohongshu, many ride bicycles wherever they wish without proper preparations,” said Andy Choi, a veteran guide at local bike tour firm Smooth Ride.
Mainland social media platform Xiaohongshu, or “little red book” in Chinese, is often regarded as a budget travel bible.


“I am not suggesting the government should ban tourists from riding bicycles. But publicity should be stepped up,” Choi said.
“For example, roads to and from Tai O can be rather busy on weekends. And tourists should be warned that riding bicycles there should take extra care.”
The victim on Sunday was mainland vlogger Pan Haili, 31, who was killed after being hit by a tour coach while riding a bicycle with fellow cycling fans along Keung Shan Road.
She reportedly lost control of her bicycle while descending a slope, causing her to veer into the opposite lane and collide with the bus travelling uphill.
More cycling fans from across the border have been coming to get a taste of cycling in the city, with Xiaohongshu swamped by posts about recommended paths.
One user recommended a 70km (43.5 miles) route that starts in Shenzhen, entering Hong Kong via the Heung Yuen Wai control point, continuing to Tai Po before ending in Fanling.
The user said cyclists could bring their own bicycles because they could simply push them through the checkpoint.
Others recommended some scenic routes, ranging from a 22km, three-hour ride from Tai Wai to Tai Mei Tuk, with a four-star difficulty rating, to a 15km, two-hour trip from Kwu Tung to Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail in Sheung Shui, rated with two-star difficulty.

The route from Tai Wai to Tai Mei Tuk is a scenic and relaxing path that is also popular among local cyclists. It is largely a traffic-free bike path.
Choi agreed the routes were suitable but he suggested that tourists still join local tours when riding in Hong Kong.
“There are routes suitable for bike tours in Hong Kong. But sometimes the bike routes are not clearly marked or connected. My advice is to plan your bike ride in advance or book a guide,” Choi said.
“Professional guides will know what gear or type of bicycle you will need for a particular route.”
Veteran cycling coach Kenji Leung said the route was popular among cyclists but not suitable for beginners.
“Some of the sections of the route are quite steep,” he told a radio programme on Tuesday, adding the inclines ranged from seven per cent to 15 per cent.
He added that the rapid changes in the incline in some sections make it essential for cyclists to have proper control.
Leung believed the victim was capable of navigating the route but unfamiliar with the path which included what he called several “S-shaped curves”.
He called for tourists who wish to go cycling to seek guidance from local veteran cyclists when navigating challenging routes.

Veteran professional road racer Yeung Chi-pui of the Smart Cycling Club agreed with his views, saying: “When cycling overseas, I would join some local cycling fans who are more familiar with the road conditions and traffic rules.
“If it is a group bike tour, the leader should also brief participants on the conditions of the path or what needs to be careful before setting off.”
Yeung added: “On the government level, there is not much it can do. We can’t simply ban the use of bicycles by tourists on some roads. But more public education on cycling safety would be useful.”
The Transport Department publishes general safety tips for cyclists, such as “check the condition of the bicycle and wear safety helmets and pads before setting off”, and “keep to the left and travel in single file except when overtaking or making a right turn”.


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Hong Kong has many scenic routes but it is best to join local bike tours, experts say.⁠ Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Pan Haili had been riding with a group of cyclists at the time of the accident. Photo: Handout

People cycling during the four-day Easter weekend in 2020. Photo: Felix Wong

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Pan Haili was riding a bicycle with a group of about 10 friends at the time of the crash. Photo: Douyin

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Emergency personnel at the scene of the crash. Photo: Handout

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More mainland tourists have been opting for bike tours in Hong Kong with various routes promoted on popular social media platform Xiaohongshu


More mainland tourists have been opting for bike tours in Hong Kong with various routes promoted on popular social media platform Xiaohongshu.
