Hong Kong’s streets are like no other place in the world, and walking though the city’s streets is part of what knits us into such a unique community. Unlike the inhabitants of car-reliant North America, walking is a daily activity for us all. With one of the world’s best public...
Dear Mr. Know-It-All,
I’ve just moved back here from Germany. Carpooling there is very common and effective. Are there any carpooling websites in Hong Kong?
– Sharing Is Caring
If you really miss carpooling so much, you should probably waterproof your car and buy a hose. The idea of...
What would happen to our city if everyone decided to hop on a bike one day? Advocates fantasize about an eco-friendly and ultra-convenient mode of transport that would contribute to a vibrant street-level community and ease the congestion on our overtaxed road system. But is it really that simple?...
As early as 2004, some members of the public had started lobbying for a continuous bike path along the waterfront on Hong Kong Island. Then, the Hong Kong Cycling Alliance—a group with the aim of turning Hong Kong into a more bike-friendly city—became the major advocate for the project...
Imagine a hot summer day. You’re crossing the street, stuck in the median because of unsynchronized lights. Countless cars are whizzing by, emitting hot, black, dirty smoke into your face. You can’t help coughing, and even breathing gets difficult. Sound familiar? It should be:...
Imagine Central’s harborfront as a green, open space, with plenty of trees along a promenade. It’s a place where people can relax and enjoy the spectacular view of Victoria Harbour. Sound familiar? It’s the picture-perfect waterfront as described by the government in last year...
After 10 long years of debate and discussion, the bill to ban idling engines is expected to be tabled for a first reading in the Legislative Council this week. It may seem to be a victory for environmentalists and those who care for air quality in Hong Kong—but the bill itself is highly...
Cynics should take a break. Hong Kong might appear to most as a dysfunctional society with a lame administration, but from time to time, ideas and initiatives, despite being ill-received before implementation, actually work. Instead of complaining about the latest failures (something we often do),...
Ever tried driving on the mainland? It’s not as safe as driving in Hong Kong. In fact, it’s far deadlier. Just north across the border, collisions are rife and many drivers pay no attention to traffic laws—it is certainly very risky for pedestrians to cross the road. On the...
