In a city like Hong Kong, where double-decker buses, trams, subways and a large population of four-wheeler vehicles dominate, you may be thinking that the cycling culture might not be very prominent. However, the reality is on the contrary. Presently, there are more than 200,000 bicycle users in Hong Kong, with more than 13 per cent of the population cycling in Hong Kong at least once a week. So, if you are also interested in choosing a bicycle over a taxi, following are the top 10 recommended cycling routes for exploring Hong Kong:
1. Tai Wai/ Sha Tin to Tai Po
Shing Mun RiverOne of the most popular and comfortable tracks for cycling in Hong Kong, this course begins at Tai Wai and touches Tai Po as it passes alongside the Shing Mun River and the Tolo Harbour. To begin, you may rent cycles from either Tai Wai MTR Station or Sha Tin's Lek Yuen Bridge and drop them at Tai Po after your ride. You may come along the horse racing track of Sha Tin en route.
Starting Point: Tai Wai MTR Station (Exit A)/ Sha Tin’s Lek Yuen Bridge Ending Point: Cycle Dropoff Points in Tai Po (As per your Cycle Rental Agency) Duration: 1 hour to 1.5 hours Distance Covered: 19 kilometres (approx.) Difficulty Level: Moderate Best Time to Cycle through the Route: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
2. Tai Po to Tai Mei Tuk
Goddess of Mercy StatuePeople cycling from Tai Wai/ Sha Tin to Tai Po can extend the course to Tai Mei Tuk, or start fresh from Tai Po. as per their stamina levels. If you are travelling with kids, you can rent cycles for them as well. Along the route, you may come across the iconic 76 metre–tall statue of Goddess of Mercy across the Bay, and a colonial outpost – turned – WWF Centre. You can stretch the ride to the Tai Mei Tuk Reservoir as well while cycling in Hong Kong across this route.
Starting Point: Tai Po MTR Station Ending Point: Tai Mei Tuk MTR Station Duration: 30 minutes to 45 minutes Distance Covered: 11 kilometres (approx.) Difficulty Level: Moderate Best Time to Cycle through the Route: 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
3. Nam Sang Wai Cycling Route
Nam Sang Wai Ferry PierAn approximate half a day cycle tour, the Nam Sang Wai route is one of the most exciting routes for cycling in Hong Kong. Starting from the Nam Sang Wai Ferry Pier along the Shan Pui River, you would pass by a cluster of village houses to reach the cycling track. You will then cross the woodlands of Chinese Banyan trees to ride along Nam Sang Wai road before reaching Yuen Long Town, which marks the end of the tour.
Starting Point: Nam Sang Wai Ferry Pier Ending Point: Yuen Long Town MTR Station Duration: 2 hours (approx.) Distance Covered: 8.5 kilometres (approx.) Difficulty Level: Easy Best Time to Cycle through the Route: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
4. Po Kong Village Road Park Cycling Route
Po Kong Village Road ParkSprawling over an area of 9 hectares, the Po Kong Village Road Park is equipped with many facilities such as elevated cycling tracks and separate cycling zones for beginners, professionals and children. The Po Kong Village Road Park also comprises other leisurely amenities such as landscaped gardens, a nursery, children's playgrounds, artificial turf pitch and the like. You can rent cycles from the rentals within the park before opting this course for cycling in Hong Kong.
Starting Point: Po Kong Village Road Park, Diamond Hill Ending Point: Cycle Rental Shops Duration: As per Rider’s choice Distance Covered: 1 kilometre (approx.) Difficulty Level: Easy Best Time to Cycle through the Route: 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM
5. Chi Ma Wan Cycling Route
Lantau Island visible from Cheung Chau IslandUnlike any other cycling route, this one is certainly not for beginners or the faint-hearted. Situated on Lantau Island, the Chi Ma Wan cycling route passes through steep rocky steps and challenging terrains along the island contours. You would witness stunning views throughout your ride. Considering the difficulty of this route while cycling in Hong Kong, it is advised to be equipped with proper biking gear for the adventure.
Starting Point: Central Ferry Pier No. 6 Ending Point: Mui Wo Ferry Pier Duration: 35 minutes to 1 hour Distance Covered: 9.5 kilometres (approx.) Difficulty Level: Difficult Best Time to Cycle through the Route: March to May is the ideal time for going on this cycling trail.
6. The Peak to Shek O Cycling Route
Dragon's Back Trail, Shek OConsidered to be another difficult one, the Peak to Shek O Cycling route is a combination of both road cycling and mountain cycling. Starting from the Peak, you may shortly encounter a tedious challenge across Wan Chai and Repulse Bay before arriving on Stanley Road. Riding further along the road will get you to Tai Tam Road, from where the Shek O Road is nearby. Upon reaching the Shek O road, the actual mountain biking trail would be for the next 4 kilometres. The entire cycling route may seem easy at some spots and difficult at others, so it is advised to wear appropriate biking gear before cycling in Hong Kong.
Starting Point: The Peak Ending Point: Dragon’s Back Trail, Shek O Duration: 1 hour to 1.5 hours Distance Covered: 25 kilometres (approx.) Difficulty Level: Difficult Best Time to Cycle through the Route: March to May is the ideal time for going on this cycling trail.
7. HKJC International BMX Cycling Park
HKJC BMX Cycling TrackThe Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) International BMX (Bicycle Motocross) Park occupies over 3.9 hectares and is the only qualified venue for BMX cycling in Hong Kong. The Cycling Park comprises around 350 metres of international BMX racing tracks with audience stands and a 60-metre development BMX racing track. The Park premises also include a BMX Bike Pro Shop from where you can rent BMX bikes. The shop also provides paid professional BMX coaching sessions.
Starting Point: BMX Park Office Ending Point: BMX Bike Pro Shop Duration: 2 hours Distance Covered: 350 metres (approx.) Difficulty Level: Moderate (Requires training) Best Time to Cycle through the Route: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on weekdays.
8. Cheung Chau Cycling Route
Cheung Chau Ferry PierThe vintage town of Cheung Chau is known for cycle rickshaws and small motorized scooters that are still locally used. You can rent cycles at the Ferry Pier. Starting from the narrow streets of the site, you may head towards deserted temples of the region to arrive at the typhoon shelter. From here, you may capture some marvellous sea-views and green-mountainous backgrounds.
Starting Point: Cheung Chau Ferry Pier Ending Point: Cheung Chau Ferry Pier Duration: 3 hours to 4 hours Distance Covered: 5 kilometres (approx.) Difficulty Level: Easy Best Time to Cycle through the Route: August to October is the ideal time for going on this cycling trail.
9. Tung Chung to Sunny Bay Cycling Route
Road to Sunny Bay, Hong KongBegin with renting a cycle at the Tung Chung MTR station and head along the road leading to Tung Chung Crescent Housing Development building. There are bicycle lanes present along the route; hence, the route is relatively a safer one. You can also download a route map from the local transport website if it is your first time.
Starting Point: Tung Chung MTR Station Ending Point: Sunny Bay MTR Station Duration: 30 minutes to 45 minutes Distance Covered: 11 kilometres (approx.) Difficulty Level: Easy Best Time to Cycle through the Route: 9:00 AM to 12 Noon
10. Mui Wo Loop Cycling Route
Mui Wo, Hong KongThis is one of the longest routes for cycling in Hong Kong. Starting from Mui Wo Ferry Pier, the route offers different types of terrains. After climbing out of Mui Wo, you will encounter a gentle drop in elevation before reaching a flat stretch of road. Ride straight from here to reach Tai O, which is another popular place for seafood. Take the roundabout to reach Tung Chung. The entire cycling route is a difficult one and requires a lot of stamina, so don't hesitate in keeping yourselves hydrated at the bars and cafés along the way.
Starting Point: Mui Wo Ferry Pier Ending Point: Tung Chung MTR Station Duration: 3.5 hours to 4 hours (approx.) Distance Covered: 45 kilometres (approx.) Difficulty Level: Difficult Best Time to Cycle through the Route: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Precautions for Riders
Wear safety helmets and Protective Pads while cycling in Hong Kong.
Ride on the cycle tracks as and where possible and avoid riding on carriageways.
Keep yourself hydrated.
Use the correct signal lights at intersections to avoid a mishap.
Traveller Tips
Acquaint yourself with the cycle/ BMX bike before the adventure.
Carry minimum possible luggage on cycle rides to avoid fatigue.
Cycling in Hong Kong is an exciting activity. Choose your favourite route(s) and get pedalling on your Hong Kong trip!
