Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Saturday, June 10
    • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Submit PR & Events
    • Ethics & Transparency
    Facebook Twitter Instagram RSS
    The HK HUB
    • What’s On

      What To Watch In Movie Theatres In Hong Kong

      2023-06-08

      TeamLab Future Park: World’s Most Famous Digital Art Exhibition Is Coming To Hong Kong This July

      2023-06-07

      What To Do In Hong Kong For Pride Month 2023 This June

      2023-06-06

      What’s On: The Most Exciting Events For All This Month

      2023-06-01

      Rock On: Music Festivals & Concerts In Hong Kong You Need To Attend In 2023

      2023-06-01
    • Eat & Drink
      1. Bars
      2. Food
      3. Restaurants
      4. Reviews
      5. View All

      30 Best Bars In Hong Kong To Visit At Least Once

      2023-05-25

      18 Best Coffee Shops In Hong Kong For Good And “Brew-tiful” Cafés

      2023-05-11

      Ginsanity Is Back At PMQ On May 12-13 With Over 100 Gins To Indulge Your Palate

      2023-04-18

      Hong Kong To Host 2023 Asia’s 50 Best Bars Awards Ceremony On July 18

      2023-04-12

      From Bubbles To Waffles: Discover 8 Best Egg Waffles In Hong Kong

      2023-06-07

      Popular Satay Beef Noodle Restaurant, Very Good Luck Fast Food Shop, To Close On June 1

      2023-05-31

      10 Iconic Hong Kong Street Foods & Where To Eat Them

      2023-05-17

      10 Delectable Doughnut Shops In Hong Kong

      2023-05-09

      10 Restaurants In Hong Kong For A Special Celebration This Father’s Day (2023)

      2023-06-06

      Soul Guide, A New Dai Pai Dong Themed Restaurant In Tsim Sha Tsui

      2023-06-05

      Hong Kong’s New Restaurants & Bars You Can’t Miss In June 2023 (Warning: May Lead To Uncontrollable Cravings)

      2023-06-02

      10 Steakhouses In Hong Kong That Are A Cut Above The Rest

      2023-05-31

      Restaurant Review – Modern Chinese Vegetarian at Miss Lee

      2020-03-05

      Restaurant Review: Middle Eastern Brunch at FRANCIS, Wan Chai

      2019-12-04

      Restaurant Review: Hue, Modern Australian with Harbour Views

      2019-11-27

      Review: Micasadeco & Café, Langham Place

      2019-09-20

      From Bubbles To Waffles: Discover 8 Best Egg Waffles In Hong Kong

      2023-06-07

      10 Restaurants In Hong Kong For A Special Celebration This Father’s Day (2023)

      2023-06-06

      Soul Guide, A New Dai Pai Dong Themed Restaurant In Tsim Sha Tsui

      2023-06-05

      Hong Kong’s New Restaurants & Bars You Can’t Miss In June 2023 (Warning: May Lead To Uncontrollable Cravings)

      2023-06-02
    • Lifestyle
      1. Beauty
      2. Fashion
      3. Entertainment
      4. Interviews
      5. Outdoor
      6. Shopping
      7. View All

      15 Amazing Day Spas & Massages You’re Going To Love In Hong Kong

      2022-12-29

      10 Best Hotel Spas In Hong Kong For Luxurious Massages & Spa Packages

      2022-04-26

      Our Review of LifeHub’s IV Drip Treatment For Glowing Skin

      2021-12-09

      Our Review Of EstheClinic’s OXYPURE Oxygenation Facial

      2021-11-18

      20 Plus Size Clothing Shops In Hong Kong For Curvy People

      2023-03-06

      Vipop Founder Lenia Pérez On How The Latin American Eco Fashion Brand Was Born

      2022-12-20

      Hong Kong Fashion Show By Lumiere Runway Hits Haw Par Mansion On 26 Nov (And We Got You 4 VIP Passes)

      2022-11-10

      Vipop Gives Us The Lowdown On Sustainable Fashion & How To Spot Greenwashing

      2022-10-17

      Charlie Puth To Kick Off Asia Leg Of 2023 Tour In Hong Kong On October 4

      2023-06-09

      The Next Wave Beach Music: Hong Kong’s First Beach Carnival To Happen In July, With Sea Park, DJs & Yachts For Rent

      2023-05-25

      New York Philharmonic Returns To Hong Kong After 15 Years For Concerts On July 4 & 5

      2023-05-18

      11 Hong Kong Cinemas To Screen BTS Solo Documentaries On June 17 & 18

      2023-05-17

      International Women’s Day 2023: Chinese Entrepreneur Ashley Dudarenok On Gender Equity In China, Hong Kong

      2023-03-02

      International Women’s Day 2023: 8 Women On 8 Dimensions Of Well-being

      2023-03-01

      Vipop Founder Lenia Pérez On How The Latin American Eco Fashion Brand Was Born

      2022-12-20

      “There’s A Lot To Be Done When It Comes To Laws” Protecting Women And Sexual Minorities In Hong Kong, Says SCMP Editor Salomé Grouard

      2022-06-30

      Discover The Greener Side: A Tour Of The Best Parks In Hong Kong

      2023-06-06

      Where To Go Kayaking In Hong Kong This Summer?

      2023-06-02

      20 Best Beaches In Hong Kong, With Gazetted & Non-Gazetted Spots

      2023-06-01

      The Best Cycling Paths & Biking Trails In Hong Kong For Beginners

      2023-04-26

      16 Best Shopping Malls In Hong Kong Every Shopaholic Should Know

      2023-05-24

      Last Chance For Shoppers To Get Free E-Coupons From MTR Malls, On May 24

      2023-05-23

      MTR Malls Will Award Shoppers E-Coupons Worth Up To HK$600 On May 17

      2023-05-16

      MTR Malls To Give Away E-Coupons Worth Up To HK$1,300, Starting May 10

      2023-05-09

      Charlie Puth To Kick Off Asia Leg Of 2023 Tour In Hong Kong On October 4

      2023-06-09

      Discover The Greener Side: A Tour Of The Best Parks In Hong Kong

      2023-06-06

      Where To Go Kayaking In Hong Kong This Summer?

      2023-06-02

      20 Best Beaches In Hong Kong, With Gazetted & Non-Gazetted Spots

      2023-06-01
    • News
      1. Covid Pandemic
      2. Local News
      3. Nature & Science
      4. Society
      5. Sport
      6. View All

      Official: No More Covid Tests When Travelling To Hong Kong From April 1

      2023-04-01

      Hong Kong Drops RAT Tests To Enter Care Homes & Hospitals, From March 25

      2023-03-23

      Only Hong Kong Remains With Outdoor Mask Mandate As Macau Drops The Rule Today

      2023-02-27

      Paul Chan Expects The Recently Extended Mask Mandate To End After Flu Season

      2023-02-24

      Haw Par Mansion Reopens For Free Public Tours From June 9

      2023-06-08

      Hong Kong Is Now The 2nd Most Expensive City In The World

      2023-06-08

      MTR Announced New Fares Effective On 25th June & Another “Thank You Day” In August, Offering A 50% Fare Discount

      2023-06-05

      The Third Gourmet Marketplace Opens In Kwun Tong This Weekend (Free Entry)

      2023-06-01

      Kadoorie Farm And Botanic Garden Discovers 8 New Wild Plant Species In Hong Kong

      2023-05-22

      Don’t Miss A Rare Hybrid Solar Eclipse Visible In Hong Kong Skies On April 20

      2023-04-06

      Catch A Ride On NASA’S Longest Mission With New 3D Dome Show At Hong Kong Space Museum

      2023-04-04

      Don’t Miss The Lunar Occultation Of Venus In Hong Kong This March 24, Next Chance In 2063

      2023-03-06

      Hong Kong Now Second Most Expensive City In Asia-Pacific To Buy Private Homes

      2023-05-30

      Hong Kong Households’ Monthly Income Increases by 2.9% To HK$28,300 In 2022

      2023-04-03

      Hongkongers Predict Over 20 Years Of Poor Health In Retirement, Highlighting Need To Plan For The Future

      2023-03-30

      100 Jobs Available On March 29 & Walk-in Recruitment Days Every Thursday At Water World

      2023-03-28

      Hong Kong To Host A Large Joint Marathon In January 2024 With +70000 Runners From 45 Asian Regions

      2023-04-13

      2023 Hong Kong Sevens: Hong Kong’s Women And Men’s Teams Announced

      2023-03-28

      Hong Kong Becomes First Asia-Pacific City To Host The FIA World Rallycross Championship

      2023-03-22

      Eco-Friendly Green Power Hike To Take Place In January 2023

      2022-12-19

      Haw Par Mansion Reopens For Free Public Tours From June 9

      2023-06-08

      Hong Kong Is Now The 2nd Most Expensive City In The World

      2023-06-08

      MTR Announced New Fares Effective On 25th June & Another “Thank You Day” In August, Offering A 50% Fare Discount

      2023-06-05

      The Third Gourmet Marketplace Opens In Kwun Tong This Weekend (Free Entry)

      2023-06-01
    • Family
      1. Activities
      2. Education
      3. Kids
      4. Pets
      5. View All

      What’s On: The Best Family-Friendly Events This Month

      2023-06-01

      Book A Free Guided Tour At The Recently Reopened Pokfulam Farm

      2023-05-30

      10 Amazing Summer Camps In 2023 Your Child Or Teen Will Love

      2023-05-13

      Fun Fun Inflatable Water World: Water Park With 4 Giant Slides Reopens In Ma On Shan

      2023-05-12

      Whizpa, An All-In-One Platform For Parents To Find Schools & Activities In Hong Kong

      2023-06-08

      ESF To Allow Students To Apply To Any School In Hong Kong (No Zoning Requirement) From August 1

      2023-06-01

      10 Amazing Summer Camps In 2023 Your Child Or Teen Will Love

      2023-05-13

      Hong Kong School’s Summer Study Tour To North Pole Costs A Whopping HK$180,000

      2023-04-04

      Hong Kong Disneyland Open 6 Days A Week From Mid-June, 7 Days In July & August

      2023-06-09

      Summer Messy Bubble 2023: Fun With Foam, Inflatable Pools & Painting, Only On June 17

      2023-05-29

      Hong Kong Disneyland’s Tarzan Treehouse To Reopen In 2023

      2023-05-23

      Watch 50+ Screenings At The International Children’s & Youth Film Carnival 2023, From July 8-August 19

      2023-05-19

      Hong Kong Gets 54 More Pet-Inclusive Parks, Bringing City’s Total To 170

      2023-06-08

      2 New Pet-Friendly Gardens Open In Hong Kong At K11 Musea & Tai Yuen Commercial Centre

      2023-05-31

      Dog Dog Shipcation: Unleash The Fun With The First-Ever Dog-Friendly Victoria Harbour Tour On April 29-30

      2023-04-12

      30 Places To Adopt A Pet In Hong Kong, From Dogs, Cats, Rabbits, Birds To Reptiles

      2023-04-12

      Hong Kong Disneyland Open 6 Days A Week From Mid-June, 7 Days In July & August

      2023-06-09

      Hong Kong Gets 54 More Pet-Inclusive Parks, Bringing City’s Total To 170

      2023-06-08

      Whizpa, An All-In-One Platform For Parents To Find Schools & Activities In Hong Kong

      2023-06-08

      ESF To Allow Students To Apply To Any School In Hong Kong (No Zoning Requirement) From August 1

      2023-06-01
    • Culture

      Where To Watch The 2023 Dragon Boat Races In Hong Kong

      2023-06-08

      Tsing Yi Bamboo Theatre Reopens From May 19-23 For Tin Hau Birthday Celebrations

      2023-05-18

      Cheung Chau Bun Scrambling Contest Final To Take Place On May 26

      2023-05-17

      All You Need to Know About Dragon Boat Festival: The Meaning Behind Races & Where To Watch Them In 2023

      2023-05-15

      Man Mo Temple: A Sanctuary For Prayer And Conflict Resolution In Colonial Hong Kong

      2023-04-27
    • Sustainability

      What Are The Ethical & Environmental Impacts Of Mining Gemstones?

      2023-03-30

      Hong Kong To Begin E-Ferry Trials In 2024

      2023-02-22

      How BIRON® Creates Lab-Grown Gemstones That Rival Natural Gems

      2023-02-20

      Vipop Gives Us The Lowdown On Sustainable Fashion & How To Spot Greenwashing

      2022-10-17

      Greenwashing: How To Distinguish Between Real Sustainability Practices & Marketing Tactics?

      2022-07-11
    • Wellness
      1. Diet
      2. Fitness
      3. Health
      4. View All

      Bust the Belly Fat: Nutrition for Healthy Weight Loss and Maintenance

      2018-02-27

      Hong Kong’s Top Gluten Free Restaurants and Cafés

      2014-12-01

      Fit & Well Festival 2.0 Returns To Central Harbourfront This Summer

      2023-06-02

      New Era Martial Club: Hong Kong’s First Action Stunts Academy Teaches Wire Work, Prop Gun-Handling & Fight Sequences

      2023-04-05

      Fitness + Wellness Expo (FWE) 2023: Hong Kong’s Biggest Fitness Event Returns This May

      2023-03-31

      10 Muay Thai Studios You Should Visit In Hong Kong To Kick The Stress Away

      2022-09-29

      Digital Addiction Diseases: 6 Negative Side Effects Of Using Mobile Phones For A Long Time

      2023-03-27

      The Cultural Guide To Traditional Chinese Medicine, An Ancient System Of Wholistic Health

      2023-02-21

      5 Self-Care Trends To Look Out For In 2023

      2023-01-18

      What Is Occupational, Emotional, And Pandemic Burnout?

      2022-12-19

      Fit & Well Festival 2.0 Returns To Central Harbourfront This Summer

      2023-06-02

      New Era Martial Club: Hong Kong’s First Action Stunts Academy Teaches Wire Work, Prop Gun-Handling & Fight Sequences

      2023-04-05

      Fitness + Wellness Expo (FWE) 2023: Hong Kong’s Biggest Fitness Event Returns This May

      2023-03-31

      Digital Addiction Diseases: 6 Negative Side Effects Of Using Mobile Phones For A Long Time

      2023-03-27
    • Travel
      1. Hotel Reviews
      2. Staycations & Hotels
      3. Travel Guides
      4. Travel To Hong Kong
      5. View All

      Review: Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong

      2022-02-09

      Review: Four Seasons Sayan, Bali

      2018-11-09

      Review: Weekend Escape At The Grand Lapa, Macau

      2015-10-02

      Review: Family Staycation At The Grand Coloane Resort, Macau

      2015-08-19

      20 Best Staycation Package Deals In Hong Kong For Your Next Special Occasion

      2023-02-09

      The Ultimate List Of Hong Kong’s Best 5-Star Hotels, For A Luxury Stay In The City

      2022-07-28

      12 Luxurious 5-Star Hotels In Manila, The Philippines’ Capital Region

      2022-06-08

      8 Best Budget-Friendly Hostels in Hong Kong

      2021-09-13

      What Are The International Covid-19 Testing Requirements For Passengers Departing Hong Kong?

      2023-01-03

      19 Best Travel Destinations To Visit In Asia-Pacific (With Entry Requirement Details)

      2022-10-05

      20 Places To Visit In Singapore And How To Get There

      2022-06-28

      The Traveller’s Guide For Exploring Palawan Island: What To See & What To Do

      2022-05-17

      Hong Kong Airlines Will Give Away 2,050 Free Tickets To Hong Kong From Japan, Starting June 27

      2023-06-09

      Cathay To Give Away 450 Tickets To Hong Kong From South Africa, Starting June 6

      2023-05-30

      Hello Hong Kong: How To Get The Free Airline Tickets, Vouchers, Gifts [UPDATED]

      2023-05-29

      Hong Kong Airlines Gives Discounted Round-Trip Tickets From Seoul To HK, Starting May 23

      2023-05-23

      Hong Kong Airlines Will Give Away 2,050 Free Tickets To Hong Kong From Japan, Starting June 27

      2023-06-09

      Cathay To Give Away 450 Tickets To Hong Kong From South Africa, Starting June 6

      2023-05-30

      Hello Hong Kong: How To Get The Free Airline Tickets, Vouchers, Gifts [UPDATED]

      2023-05-29

      Hong Kong Airlines Gives Discounted Round-Trip Tickets From Seoul To HK, Starting May 23

      2023-05-23
    • HK Living
      1. Around HK
      2. Essential HK
      3. Neighbourhoods
      4. Work
      5. View All

      10 Attractions & Tourist Spots You Must Visit When In Hong Kong

      2023-06-05

      Vertical Wonders: A Guide To Hong Kong’s Most Jaw-dropping Skyscrapers

      2023-03-14

      Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Hong Kong To Celebrate Spring

      2023-02-06

      50 Interesting Things You Must Do In Hong Kong

      2022-04-21

      All You Need To Know About Hong Kong’s 2023 Consumption Voucher Scheme

      2023-06-09

      Hong Kong’s Public Holidays In 2023 & 2024 (Plus When We’ll Get Long Weekends)

      2023-04-14

      61 Organizations Offering Volunteer Opportunities And Charity Work in Hong Kong

      2023-03-30

      6 Strawberry Farms To Visit For Picking Season In Hong Kong

      2022-12-01

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Sai Kung

      2022-12-28

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Tai O Fishing Village

      2022-12-19

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Tai Hang

      2022-09-22

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Exploring Kennedy Town

      2022-06-30

      100 Jobs Available On March 29 & Walk-in Recruitment Days Every Thursday At Water World

      2023-03-28

      Protect Your Business: 5 Must-Have Professional And Financial Insurances in Hong Kong

      2023-03-27

      10 Awesome Co-Working Spaces To Try In Hong Kong

      2023-01-30

      Bela Offices, Affordable Luxury Serviced Offices In Central And Sheung Wan

      2022-11-03

      All You Need To Know About Hong Kong’s 2023 Consumption Voucher Scheme

      2023-06-09

      10 Attractions & Tourist Spots You Must Visit When In Hong Kong

      2023-06-05

      HKUST Creates Its Own Version Of ChatGPT For Students, Faculty & Staff

      2023-05-30

      Netflix Takes Action To Stop Password-Sharing Across 100+ Countries, Including Hong Kong

      2023-05-25
    The HK HUB
    Home»HK Living»Around HK»SmartBike Scheme, West Kowloon Waterfront
    Around HK

    SmartBike Scheme, West Kowloon Waterfront

    The HK HUBBy The HK HUB2015-04-29Updated:2015-10-08No Comments5 Mins Read

    Enjoy a (Limited) Ride on a SmartBike

    Hong Kong’s skyline has begun to look a little drearier in recent months. The glass and metal columns of the sculptured buildings still reflect brilliantly off the water in Victoria Harbour, but the ominous haze that lingers over our iconic skyscrapers is becoming more frequent, and is no longer contained solely in news reports from our mainland neighbours to the north.

    By no means are we at Beijing levels, where residents walk the streets decked out in top of the line face masks, but our increasing poor air quality is cause for worry. Just last month, the government’s Air Quality Health Index registered readings of 10+ – the highest on the scale – in areas on Hong Kong Island and the New Territories.

    Many cities around the world have put practices in place to curb the rise in air pollution, from limiting the number of cars allowed in certain areas (the city of Hamburg wants to ban cars completely within the next 20 years) to creating more bicycle lanes to reduce the number of pollution-spewing vehicles on the roads (take a look at Scandinavian countries like Denmark). With Hong Kong’s jam-packed streets and condensed infrastructure, finding the room for bike lanes is a monumental challenge. But a recent cycling scheme that has sprung up in the West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD) could lead the way to a greener Hong Kong.

    The SmartBike initiative is a pilot programme launched by the WKCD Authority last year for recreational and leisure use. “SmartBike [has been established] to encourage visitors to use bicycles as a sustainable commuting mode within the WKCD,” says a WKCD Authority spokesperson.

    See also
    10 Attractions & Tourist Spots You Must Visit When In Hong Kong

    The West Kowloon promenade provides a lovely view for a bike ride along the water, with 50 bicycles for adults and 30 for children available for rent.

    Smartbike West Kowloon Hong Kong

    Getting started is easy. Bring your ID (a passport is fine for tourists), hand over HK$50 for a smart card, grab a bike from one of two SmartBike docking stations, and you’re on your way. The card covers a HK$10 handling charge and the rest can be used for an hour of riding along the track (HK$20 per hour). Warning: if you go over your hour by even one minute, you will be charged for another hour.

    The bright green and white bicycles are reminiscent of other rental bikes in major cities – sturdy, if a tad bulky, with a handy basket in front for your belongings. But the similarities end there. Unlike rental bike schemes in other parts of the world (London’s “Boris Bikes” come to mind), which have various drop off points and can be taken all over town, SmartBikes are limited to use on a 1.8-kilometre track.

    I cycled the track in under five minutes each way. Using up my time quickly became tedious, with repeat turns up and down the route. I was eager to keep on riding and explore the area beyond the park’s perimeters, but that is a no-go. In fact, there is clear signage at each end of the course strictly stating bikes cannot be taken outside the park.

    Smartbike West Kowloon Hong Kong

    Then there is the issue of rental times. The small window for using the SmartBikes is between 14:00 – 19:00, Monday to Friday, with a little bit more leeway on weekends and public holidays (10:00 – 19:00). You must make your way to the bike rental area by 18:00, when the last ride departs for the day.

    See also
    Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Hong Kong To Celebrate Spring

    Despite the limitations, the programme has proven successful. “SmartBike service has been well-received by the public since its official launch in mid-April 2014,” says the WKCD. “As of January 31, 2015, there have been a total of 20,217 rentals.”

    The authority states the aim of the programme is to encourage visitors to use bicycles as a sustainable commuting mode within the WKCD, but could not say whether or not there would be plans to expand the service throughout the city in the future.

    Most of the bikes were in use when I went on a pleasant mid-week day. The majority of people riding were doing so at a leisurely pace, stopping frequently along the track to take photos of the harbour view on one side and Hong Kong’s tallest building, the International Commerce Centre, on the other.

    Thankfully the bikes come equipped with a bell, so you can alert those pausing on the route as you pass, but this isn’t the best place to get a cycling workout. And if you’re looking for a way to pedal around Hong Kong, SmartBike isn’t going to cut it just yet. Let’s hope that with a little more blue sky thinking from the government, we might see some more bikes on Hong Kong streets in the future.

    For more details on SmartBike, visit the website.

    Share this article with your friends ~

    • Whatsapp


    • Facebook


    • Twitter


    • Linkedin


    • Messenger


    • Wechat

    Rate this post
    The HK HUB
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram

    Created by Hong Kong lovers for Hong Kong lovers, The HK HUB offers you a daily dose of stories, deals, and tips about this unique and amazing city. If you're looking for the best places to visit, to know more about the Hong Kong Culture, to find a cool restaurant or bar to chill with your friends, or an exciting thing to do over the weekend with your family, we've got you covered. The HK HUB opens the doors to Hong Kong.

    Related Posts

    10 Attractions & Tourist Spots You Must Visit When In Hong Kong

    2023-06-05 Around HK

    Vertical Wonders: A Guide To Hong Kong’s Most Jaw-dropping Skyscrapers

    2023-03-14 Around HK

    Where To See Cherry Blossoms In Hong Kong To Celebrate Spring

    2023-02-06 Around HK

    Add comment

    Partners
    CCW banner
    banner coral hub hong kong
    compass offices side banner
    Vipop
    tutor time international nursery and kindergarten in hong kong

    Subscribe to updates

    Open the door to Hong Kong and get your weekly dose of stories, deals and tips.

    Facebook Twitter Instagram RSS
    • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Submit PR & Events
    • Ethics & Transparency
    • Directory
    • Privacy Policy
    © 2023 All Rights Reserved. Designed by Get Clicks.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.