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Time for Hong Kong government to get on its bike?

Authorities say city's urban areas are too congested for cycle paths, yet London, where roads are just as busy, is building Europe's longest

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The government is adding to cycle paths around Sha Tin, Tai Po and along the Tolo Harbour with a network of trails in the New Territories to be built in phases. Photo: Felix Wong

London's plan to build Europe's longest segregated bicycle path through some of its busiest areas has renewed calls in Hong Kong for better cycling infrastructure.

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London Mayor Boris Johnson unveiled his plan to build a 29km "crossrail" for bicycles last month. Construction could start as early as next year after a consultation period and be completed in March 2016.

The new bike lanes will pass some of the busiest areas in London, such as Parliament Square and the Victoria Embankment, and a car lane on the Westway flyover will be removed to make way for the bicycle path.

Hong Kong Cycling Alliance chairman Martin Turner said the local government should think about how support for bikes could enhance Hong Kong's towns and urban areas.

"Every city faces its own planning and mobility issue. Hong Kong will have to work out how to encourage and enable cycling to the greatest benefit," he said.

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But the government said such lanes would be impracticable in the city's congested urban areas.

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