Restrictions on road use are killing our sport, says Hong Kong Cycling Association
Local body concerned by strict government measures after arrest of young star Esther Fung
The Hong Kong Cycling Association is on a collision course with authorities in the wake of tightened measures on cyclists' road use that threaten their youth training programmes.
While senior Hong Kong team members are based in China for training, the youth team, comprising mostly students, have to train in Hong Kong.
Their efforts have been seriously hampered by the government's cycling rules - with one up-and-coming star, Esther Fung Yuk-ki, arrested for not using a designated cycle path during a practice session along Ting Kok Road in Tai Po last year.
How can we conduct speed training on a cycle track when there are a lot of people there riding for leisure?
Fung, 17, who won gold and silver medals at the Hong Kong International Track Cup early this year, pleaded not guilty when the case was heard last month.
The case has since been adjourned to this summer as the young rider will need to represent Hong Kong at the Asian Junior Championships in Kazakhstan next month.
"We now always remind our young riders to try to use a cycle path during training if there is one nearby to avoid being prosecuted," said HKCA chairman Leung Hung-tak. "But we think it is unrealistic and detrimental to the long term development of the sport.
"Cycling paths are built for recreational purposes, for family members to enjoy the pleasure of cycling. How can we conduct speed training on a cycle track when there are a lot of people there riding for leisure?