Civil Service Newsletter March 2024 Issue No.116
The New Territories Cycle Track Network that Runs from East to West

Civil Engineering and Development Department

The NTCTN comprises two backbone sections with a total length of approximately 82 km and a branch of approximately 1 km in Sam Mun Tsai, Tai Po. Over 60km of the NTCTN has been completed so far.
The NTCTN comprises two backbone sections with a total length of approximately 82 km and a branch of approximately 1 km in Sam Mun Tsai, Tai Po. Over 60km of the NTCTN has been completed so far.
THE New Territories Cycle Track Network (NTCTN), being taken forward by the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD), is a comprehensive cycle track network connecting the eastern and western New Territories by linking up cycle tracks scattered around various districts, thereby providing the public with more choices for leisure and recreation. The NTCTN covers an extensive area, starting from Ma On Shan, passing through Shatin, Tai Po, Fanling, Sheung Shui, Yuen Long and Tuen Mun, and will be extended all the way to Tsuen Wan.
With scenic spots and various attractions along the cycle track, cycling along the NTCTN has become a popular activity among families, friends and cycling fans.
With scenic spots and various attractions along the cycle track, cycling along the NTCTN has become a popular activity among families, friends and cycling fans.

While the completed cycle track sections have been well received by the public and have now become popular leisure and sports facilities, during the planning and construction stages, CEDD was continuously faced with challenges. How CEDD has overcome these hurdles can be summarised by using the letters “A”, “B”, “C”, “D” and “E”.

A for “Attitude”

The positive attitude and open-mindedness of the project team have ensured success for the project. Even though it may mean that CEDD engineers have to step out of their comfort zone, and stand ready to face criticisms, they always seize the opportunities to interact with the community with a view to making their design decisions more people-centric.

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSAR, guided cycling eco-tours for students from grass-root families were hosted.
To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Establishment of the HKSAR, guided cycling eco-tours for students from grass-root families were hosted.
B for “Breakthroughs”

The NTCTN has been designed according to the relevant design standards and guidelines, as well as overseas experience. However, the cycle tracks are sometimes criticised as unsafe. The misconception often stemmed from users not familiar with the meaning behind the design or the road markings and traffic signs erected along the cycle track. Breaking through from the traditional role of an agent of works, CEDD took the initiative to think out of the box and implement the relevant measures, such as engaging a non-profit making organisation to act as Bicycle Ambassadors in providing assistance to the public and promoting safe cycling and related etiquette; and organising cycling safety promotional activities to enhance public awareness.

Bicycle Ambassadors promoted safe cycling attitude.
Bicycle Ambassadors promoted safe cycling attitude.
CEDD worked with students in establishing their ideal cycle track network design.
CEDD worked with students in establishing their ideal cycle track network design.
C for “Collaboration”

Even with the epidemic among us during 2021 and 2022, CEDD managed to collaborate with various bureaux and departments in hosting events of various sizes and scales to promote the NTCTN.

“CT60+ Cycling Rewards”, supported by nine bureaux, departments, advisory bodies and their mascots, was officiated by the Secretary for Development in 2022.
“CT60+ Cycling Rewards”, supported by nine bureaux, departments, advisory bodies and their mascots, was officiated by the Secretary for Development in 2022.
D for “Design”

In selecting the alignment of the cycle track, priority is given to spots with beautiful scenery and cultural elements. Thoughts have also been given to planting flowers that blossom all year round alongside the cycle track. Throughout the entire NTCTN, cycling entry/exit hubs and resting stations are provided at strategic locations to serve the users.

Cycling entry/exit hubs are conveniently accessible and usually equipped with a cycle practising area, sheltered benches, a public toilet, cycle parking spaces and drinking facilities. Resting stations serve mainly as stopovers for cyclists who might need to take a rest at the intermediate points along the hubs.
Cycling entry/exit hubs are conveniently accessible and usually equipped with a cycle practising area, sheltered benches, a public toilet, cycle parking spaces and drinking facilities. Resting stations serve mainly as stopovers for cyclists who might need to take a rest at the intermediate points along the hubs.
E for “Engagement”

Stakeholders engagement has become an integral part of every project. With the tremendous efforts put in by the project team in responding to public expectation throughout the project, CEDD is very happy to see persistent objectors eventually turning into friendly locals who would come over to talk to the team at the cycling safety promotional activities.

CEDD is confident that the work CEDD has been doing will help pave the way in taking forward the remaining section of the NTCTN.

Cycling entry/exit hubs are conveniently accessible and usually equipped with a cycle practising area, sheltered benches, a public toilet, cycle parking spaces and drinking facilities. Resting stations serve mainly as stopovers for cyclists who might need to take a rest at the intermediate points along the hubs.
Virtual reality bike ride to engage the public in the planning of the remaining section of the NTCTN.