Roads alert as cyclists get ready for return

About 5,000 cyclists will ride in the Hong Kong Cyclothon, which will be back on Sunday after four years of suspension amid the social unrest and Covid pandemic.

Traffic control measures will begin from 1 am on Sunday ahead of the event that starts at 5.20 am when cyclists will take off in phases.

The event, co-organized by Sun Hung Kai Properties and Hong Kong Tourism Board, will have six programs.

The 50-kilometer ride will start at 5.20 am from Salisbury Road near Empire Centre in east Tsim Sha Tsui, heading to Ting Kau Bridge. The finishing point will be at Salisbury Road opposite the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.

The 30-km ride will start at

8.10 am and the route will be similar to the 50-km ride, but will not go via Tsing Ma and Ting Kau bridges and Eagle's Nest Tunnel.

These two most popular non-competitive rides will have more than 4,000 cyclists, including Olympic medalist Lee Wai-sze.

Riders are urged to arrive 90 minutes before the starting time and set off in batches.

Local athletes and cycling teams will compete for the coveted "HKSAR 25th Anniversary Trophy" along Tsim Sha Tsui promenade.

There will also be a 15-minute CEO Charity and Celebrity Ride starting from 1.15 pm, with more than 20 government officials, business leaders, lawmakers and celebrities, including Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun.

All riders must have received three doses of Covid vaccine and hold a blue health code. They are required to undergo a PCR test 48 hours before the event and show a negative rapid test result within 12 hours on the day of the event.

The Tourism Board has been in close contact with authorities on Covid prevention measures, and will announce any changes of requirements.

As the weather is expected to be cold, riders are advised to take adequate measures, including wearing windproof and waterproof gloves and tight-fitting jackets, and doing warm up exercises.

Roads in the vicinity of the Urban Council Centenary Garden in east Tsim Sha Tsui, including Salisbury Road, Mody Road and Mody Lane, as well as Hung Hom Bypass and Hung Hom Road, will close from 1 am.

Public transport services around the major venues of the cyclothon will also be adjusted.

About 154 bus and green minibus routes using West Kowloon Highway and traveling around Yau Tsim Mong will be diverted, truncated or suspended, or have their stops relocated to meet road closure arrangements until the reopening of roads.

Bus terminals at Star Ferry Pier and China Ferry will be suspended from 2.30 am until about 11 am on Sunday.

Vehicles from Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories East heading for the airport and Lantau Island will not be affected. Traffic on the Western Harbour Crossing will remain normal.

The Transport Department suggested people take public transport and plan their journeys early to avoid traffic congestion.

"Members of the public are advised to pay attention to the latest traffic conditions released by radio and television stations, or obtain the latest traffic conditions through the HKeMobility website," said Kwok Yue-fung, senior transport officer.