What we cyclists would expect our cycling path to be like? The following news about cycling path in Taiwan is certainly something that we could only find in our dream for the time being.
the sections which have darker colour surfacing are more pleasing to the eyes. Black colour road surface provide a pleasing contrast to the green road side vegetation.
while the riders generally respect lane discipline, there is indeed one incidence (see 2nd picture) where one rider is on the wrong lane. I believe this is a natural response when there are numerous bicycles parked by the side of the path (for the fear that some people may suddenly move on to the path). I have therefore in my previous list of suggestion to CEDD's consultant pointed out that the resting area should be sufficiently away from the path.
I am not trying to pick bones out of eggs but I have also noticed a design fault in this cycle path. The rubble wall bulge out around the trees and may cause danger to the unaware cyclists. The wooden seat benches around the tree pits have similar problem.
Other than this minor flaw, the overall standard is very good. You won’t find any road side curb which is unnecessary for a cycle path. You also won’t find any wheel-trapping road side channel and gully grating. All channels are safely covered with concrete covers which are more skid resistant than metal covers.
When will the road engineers in Hong Kong realized the true purpose of a road side curb instead of simply copying everything from a road design onto a cycle path? When will they listen to the cry of anger from cyclists that no more wheel trapping design should appear on the roads and cycle path?
