Free bicycle carriage by ferry on trial

The Star Ferry Company Ltd will offer free bicycle carriage to passengers taking the route between Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai for a trial period of three months from June 9 to September 8.

The Transport Department made the announcement today (June 6), adding the trial was in response to requests from cycling associations for provision of more cross-harbour ferry services to cyclists and their bikes.

A spokesman for the department said that during the trial, only the lower deck would be open to passengers carrying cycles.

"The Star Ferry reserves the right to restrict passengers from carrying bicycles on board during the peak hour from 5pm to 6pm for journeys from Wan Chai to Tsim Sha Tsui," he said.

"This measure is for the safety of passengers when the lower deck will also be open to passengers not carrying cycles."

Currently, bicycles are only allowed on the Star Ferry routes between Hung Hom and Tsim Sha Tsui and between Hung Hom and Central. They are not allowed on a fourth route between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui.

End/Friday, June 6, 2003