China Post: Taipei city government urged to build bicycle path network

Three Taipei city councilors called yesterday for the establishment of a comprehensive network of bicycle paths in the capital city, out of concern for the safety and benefits of cyclists. Councilors Wang Chih ping, Dai Hsi-chin and Chen Yu-mei of the opposition Kuomintang (KMT) , made the call after they examined bike traffic around several Mass Rapid Transport stations earlier in the day.

After the city government began Sept. 1 to fine cyclists who illegally ride on fast traffic lanes or on the sidewalk, they found that bike commuters have since become the most vulnerable road users. On many road sections in the metropolis, Dai said, it is common to see cars jostling motorbikes for road space,forcing the motorbikes to crowd bicycles off the road.

To protect themselves, cyclists often have to risk being fined by riding on the sidewalk, he noted. According to traffic police statistics, Wang indicated that since the beginning of September, the police have so far ticketed 383 cyclists for running red lights, 116 for riding in the fast lanes, 71 for riding on pedestrian crossings, and 132 for riding against the traffic flow. On average, 24 tickets are issued per day, Wang said, indicating that the high rate could mean the city has not had set aside enough road space for cyclists.