MWTK Two wheels in Hong Kong!

[m1ttens]

Hey guys,

Just wondering if anyone here has spent time in HK and used 2-wheeled forms of transport to get around. Also the ins and outs of getting a bike there. Also if you've ever used a bicycle to get around there though that seems like a bit of a deathwish I'd like to try it.

I have been to Hong Kong before but mostly using public transport and on foot would love to try a different way of seeing such a beautiful city!

Thanks!

[gordonleslie]

Im living there now and there is no way in hell i would ride any form of 2 wheel transport on the roads. It is one of the most unfriendly bike cities i have ever seen plus the drivers are generally insane (stay well clear of the green minibuses).

pushies are easy and cheap to hire but its best to stick to proper bike paths - there are a few designated paths for tourists. The locals ride pushies the same way they walk around on the street ... totally aimlessly and with no spacial awareness so be careful when overtaking.

[Istanman]

I rode a bike for a while in HK. Bloody hairy at times. Used to run out to the new territories a lot and up and down the Peak. Was a lot of fun at the time. Early morning and late at night were particularly good. Fumes from traffic added to health risks. Hook up with a bunch of locals / expats and see what they do? I am aware rides are organised from HK into PRC from time to time. This is one place I'd definitely stay away from two wheels. Pushy - to hot and too many hills for me.

[m1ttens]

Yeah thanks so much for the advice, its just that when I was walking around HK in the early morning 5-6AM it was really peaceful and nice, and I just wanted to take my pushie around there, or even a nice sportsbike However like Istan I don't think I'd be game to go over to China, the traffic there looks deadly.

And Gordon, cheers that sounds about right, so I'm sure I'd be restricted to early morning riding. Planning to change my pedals from normal clip in's to mountain bike ones for the sake of normal-ish shoes.

[m1ttens]

Reviving this topic with an update! Getting a bike next week looking for a vtr here in HK can't wait to see what's available.

For anyone looking for info I will fill out what charges and insurance is mandatory as soon as I can.

In regards to cycling, not 150m from my place did I have a stack on the bike. The cuts in the concrete used for the roads here are wide enough for a road bike tire and about 10cm deep, please beware! Being from Perth all of those sorts of things are filled in with tar or whatever. Traffic is a bit hectic even late at night down the main strips but if you stick to the Aussie road rules you should be fine.

Good luck out there!

[m1ttens]

And as an addendum I totally hear you Gordon. The locals have no concept of road rules on their pushies.