Policy Address

161. We will select two areas for pilot study to test innovative measures for a comfortable walking environment, and to explore relaxing the requirements for adding covers to public walkways as stipulated in the Transport Planning and Design Manual, etc. We will work with stakeholders such as the MTRCL to promote “Walk in HK”. We will continue to implement hillside escalator links and elevator systems (HEL) projects. We will conduct a study at the end of this year to review and improve the assessment mechanism established by the Government in 2009, and on this basis carry out screening, traffic assessments and preliminary technical feasibility assessments for the HEL proposals received in the past years so as to draw up a timetable for implementing HEL proposals in future.

162. To foster a green community, we will continue to create a “bicycle-friendly” environment in new towns and NDAs. Measures will include providing comprehensive cycle track networks in NDAs under planning, including Hung Shui Kiu and Yuen Long South, to facilitate commuting by bicycles within the districts, as well as extending the cycle track network within the open spaces of the Kai Tak Development Area (KTDA) to about 13 kilometres to link up major attractions. We will also explore the option of extending the network at the KTDA to the Mass Transit Railway station of the Shatin to Central Link under construction. Besides, we are linking up the existing scattered sections of cycle tracks in the New Territories to provide a cycle track of about 82 kilometres connecting the eastern and western New Territories. We will also study how to assist organisations in operating self-financing community bicycle rental services on a non-profit making basis for providing first and last mile shortdistance connection.

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