Cycling tips in HK

[jayinhongkong]

The ride is doable, but you'll have to ride defensively, take your bike up to the office and contend with the pollution! A 20" folder is probably best. I'd need a shower at any time of year if riding on road on HK Island so definitely something to consider! I most certainly would not leave a nice bike outside!

[Elegiaque]

I used to cycle in London, and I wouldn't do it to commute here. Even seeing cyclists on the country roads on the weekend makes me nervous! The biggest problem is that unlike in Europe, where everyone probably cycles, in HK no one behind the wheels of a vehicle will be familiar with being a cyclist.

I suggest you consider maybe living in a more cycle-friendly area in the New Territories or even outlying island, where a little cycle ride could be part of your commute to public transportation. In this areas there will be places to lock up your bike. It's true, though, actual government-built cycle paths are pathetic for speed, and when you see how locals generally cycle, you'll be glad they're slowed down, hah.

Transporting a bike on the public transportation can be another nightmare, so if you live closer to the areas where you want to train on the weekends, it would be much easier. Foldable bikes are popular here (granted, not what you're thinking), and could be an option for your regular commuting.

This is another good bicycle shop: https://www.facebook.com/FriendlyBicycleShop/

By the way, in the more bicycle-friendly residential areas, there are a lot of advertisements for used high quality bikes at very cheap prices. I guess people buy it with lofty ideas of hitting the road every weekend, and then end up not and getting tired of it taking up space in their apartments. You may have a look. Bikes do get terribly rusty here very quickly, and need constant oil.

I sadly had to leave my beloved bike back in the UK. But it was the right decision after all.

[ndmccormack]

Thanks for all the messages. Seems I’ll just have to try it out and see how it goes... if not then I’ll keep my cycling to longer rides at the weekend!

i have a storage box lined up near my apartment to store the bike in, and may have found a sports club with a swimming pool near my work place, where I’ll hopefully be able to lock up my bike...

Wish me luck!

[jgl]

By the way, in the more bicycle-friendly residential areas, there are a lot of advertisements for used high quality bikes at very cheap prices. I guess people buy it with lofty ideas of hitting the road every weekend, and then end up not and getting tired of it taking up space in their apartments. You may have a look. Bikes do get terribly rusty here very quickly, and need constant oil.

^ Yeah, HK is a great place to pick up a high end, second hand bike. People buy the nicest toys out here, barely use them, then resell when they upgrade a later version of the toy. 28bike.com is a good place to check out.

If you're only here 3 months, you'd want to bring your own bike out to get riding straight away, but you might go home with a nicer one.

You may as well give commuting a shot given the mixed opinion here too. Just be aware that the drivers here are far, far less considerate than in London. Defensive riding doesn't work here, you need to ride very assertively- e.g. sometimes moving into the centre of a lane rather than allow traffic to pass.

[TheBrit]

i have a storage box lined up near my apartment to store the bike in, and may have found a sports club with a swimming pool near my work place, where I’ll hopefully be able to lock up my bike...

Wish me luck!

Have you actually been to Hong Kong?

[rani]

^ Yeah, HK is a great place to pick up a high end, second hand bike. People buy the nicest toys out here, barely use them, then resell when they upgrade a later version of the toy. 28bike.com is a good place to check out.

Quite a few bikes here too

https://geoexpat.com/classifieds/per...ems/used-bikes

[civil_servant]

Deleted.

[jayinhongkong]

Defensive riding doesn't work here, you need to ride very assertively- e.g. sometimes moving into the centre of a lane rather than allow traffic to pass.

I take the lane whenever possible and consider it a defensive manouver!

[SpeakCantonese]

There is no finite truth here.

You must be new to Geo.

[Bob Loblaw]

There are less cyclist that die on the road as there are people murdered in HK and it's considered to be a very safe city. For every cyclist killed in Hong Kong there are about 10 pedestrian that die.

that's... kind of a weird thing to say.