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Lo Hoi-ying

Cycling deaths in Hong Kong tripled in the first half of this year, with seven riders dying from accidents on the road.
The city recorded six cyclist deaths in 2023 and eight in 2022.
The Post looks at the laws governing road safety for cyclists and how they can better protect themselves.
1. Is Hong Kong a bicycle-friendly city?
In the Global Bicycle Cities Index by German digital insurance company Luko in 2022, Hong Kong scored 22.24 out of 100 for its bicycle-friendliness, ranking 84th out of 90 cities.
Factors included the quality of infrastructure, bike-sharing mechanisms, crime and safety.
Top-ranked cities include Utrecht in the Netherlands, Munster in Germany and Antwerp in Belgium, while Hangzhou in China ranked 7th.
2. What are the laws governing bicycle use?
According to the Road Traffic Ordinance, a bicycle is classified as a vehicle under Hong Kong law and has the same right to use a road.
Cycling is not allowed on pavements or in road tunnels, and cyclists cannot ride on the road when designated bicycle paths are available.
Cyclists must obey traffic signs, signals and general traffic rules, and ride in the same direction as traffic.
They must stop when asked by a uniformed police officer or traffic warden, or face a HK$2,000 (US$256) fine.
Those caught cycling recklessly, or cycling under the influence of alcohol and drugs can face a fine of up to HK$1,000 and a jail term of up to three months for repeated offences.
Electric bicycles and bikes fitted with add-on motors are considered illegal by the Transport Department.
Cyclists are advised to signal with their arms before changing directions or slowing down.
3. What cycling accidents happened this year?
Four of the seven cases involved riders losing control of their bicycles, with three of the incidents occurring while riding down slopes.
The remaining three involved collisions with vehicles on the road, including two trucks and a private car.
Six victims were not wearing helmets or protective gear while cycling and six accidents occurred on roads.

4. What are the challenges in keeping cyclists safe?
At present, there is no mandatory requirement for cyclists to wear bicycle helmets in Hong Kong.
The Transport Department said it was considering mandating that cyclists wear helmets in 2022, citing the rise in road accidents involving bicycles.
But it noted that the requirement for wearing helmets “varies from place to place.”
The department also conducted a similar review in 2011 but concluded that the regulation was not common international practice.
On Hong Kong Island, cyclists, especially delivery riders, have been seen riding in between the tram tracks.
This behaviour is not illegal according to the Road Traffic Ordinance and Tram Ordinance, but cyclists risk getting their front wheels caught on tram tracks and falling.
Trams, which can travel up to 30km/h (18.6mph), also pose a danger to cyclists.
The Transport and Logistics Bureau said it does not encourage the public to use bicycles as a mode of transport in urban areas due to heavy traffic and narrow and crowded streets.
5. What can cyclists do to stay safe?
Leung Chi-yin, head of the members affairs committee of the Cycling Association of Hong Kong, China, said cyclists should check their ‘ABCs’ – air in their tires, brakes, and chains – before setting off.
“If the bicycle becomes unchained, cyclists would be distracted and look down while moving forward, and cannot keep their eyes on the road,” he said.
Leung also called on cyclists to adopt an attitude of following traffic rules, and to keep in mind that they may not be visible to larger vehicles.
They should also understand potential hazards on the roads.

“Sometimes there are potholes or gaps in drain covers on the road and their wheels might get stuck, causing them to fall and be run over,” he said.
Leung also recommended cyclists choose routes they are familiar with.
“Roads on Tai Mo Shan, Repulse Bay, Deep Water Bay and Shek O have become more popular with road cyclists looking to challenge themselves,” Leung said.
“Shek O roads are narrow and larger vehicles are already trying to steer clear of oncoming traffic. Thus, it will be difficult to steer clear of cyclists on the road shoulder too.”
While not mandatory, Leung strongly recommends that cyclists wear helmets to protect themselves.
6. How do road safety rules compare with other jurisdictions?
In Singapore, which ranked 52nd in the survey, cyclists can ride their bikes on pedestrian pathways, cycling paths and roads.
Local laws mandate that bicycles be equipped with a continuous white light in front and a red light at the rear for cycling after dark.
Singaporean law does not require bikers to wear helmets when cycling on bicycle lanes and foot paths.
Road cyclists must wear a helmet, cycle in a single file with a maximum of five cyclists in a group, and use bicycle lanes when available.
In Taiwan, wearing a helmet is not mandatory, and cyclists must keep right and give way to pedestrians and other vehicles on the road.
In urban areas like Taipei, there are dedicated lanes for bicycles on most main roads, while cycling is prohibited on covered pavements.


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Accidents and personal safety in Hong Kong

Is Hong Kong safe for cyclists following spike in fatal bike accidents?

Hong Kong ranked 84 out of 90 in a global cities index on bicycle-friendliness. Photo: Elson Li

Cyclists ride along a newly opened bicycle path between Yuen Long and Sheung Shui. Photo: Winson Wong

A cyclist stops to look at traffic in Tai Po. An expert has said cyclists should check their ‘ABCs’ – air in their tires, brakes, and chains – before setting off. Photo: Jelly Tse

Number of serious Hong Kong traffic accidents down 42%, but cyclist deaths triple

Police say the number of cyclist deaths in the first half of the year shows worrying upwards trend. Photo: Elson Li

Six of the cyclists who died were not wearing helmets or protective gear, police have said. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hong Kong police to step up action against jaywalking, poor driving with number of fatal traffic accidents at 3-year high

Police are carrying out a two-day publicity campaign on road safety. Photo:  Elson Li

Officers dish out souvenirs to pedestrians. Photo: Elson Li

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Hikers at the newly built gate at Mount Fuji’s “5th station”, which leads to the popular Yoshida Trail. Photo: AFP

Last year, 97 people were involved in accidents on Mount Fuji, up from 63 in 2022. Photo: EPA-EFE

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Hong Kong

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The Post looks at the laws governing road safety for cyclists and how they can better protect themselves


The Post looks at the laws governing road safety for cyclists and how they can better protect themselves.


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Explainer | Is Hong Kong safe for cyclists following spike in fatal bike accidents?

The Post looks at the laws governing road safety for cyclists and how they can better protect themselves

1. Is Hong Kong a bicycle-friendly city?