Ombudsman recommends enhanced overseeing of bicycle rental services at recreational venues

The Ombudsman, Jack Chan Jick-chi, announced on Thursday the completion of a direct investigation into the management of passageway obstructions caused by bicycles from rental services at 14 recreational venues overseen by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD). The investigation led to eight recommendations aimed at improving departmental overseeing.

The LCSD issues permits to operators of bicycle rental services at these venues, stipulating that bicycles and related items must not be placed outside designated permit areas. Despite this, the Ombudsman found that it is a common practice for operators to violate these terms by placing bicycles outside the permitted zones, leading to passageway obstructions and potential safety hazards.

During multiple site inspections, it was observed that such violations are routine, raising concerns about the LCSD’s enforcement effectiveness. Currently, LCSD staff may issue reminders or warnings based on the severity of the violations. After three warnings, further actions such as suspending business operations or contract termination might be considered. However, the guidelines lack clarity on the number of reminders needed before issuing a warning letter and the validity period of these warnings.

To address these issues, the Ombudsman suggests that the LCSD should refine its enforcement guidelines to specify the number of reminders that lead to a warning and to make these criteria public. This would enhance both the efficiency and fairness of the enforcement process.

Furthermore, the Ombudsman acknowledges that operators often display various bicycle models outside rental kiosks for customer selection and testing, which seems practical and reasonable. Thus, it is recommended that the LCSD review its regulatory approach to ensure it does not unduly restrict operators, considering their role in promoting recreational activities.

Looking ahead, the LCSD is encouraged to consider revising future permit contracts to potentially include areas outside the kiosks within the permit zone for better management. This adjustment could help accommodate operational needs while maintaining order and safety at the venues.

In conclusion, the Ombudsman has made eight improvement recommendations to the LCSD, including closer monitoring of operators, enhanced staff training on enforcement procedures, and a review of permit terms to possibly extend the designated areas. These steps aim to balance regulatory compliance with the practical needs of bicycle rental operations.