Motocross

🏍️ 【Off-Road Motorcycles / Dirt Bikes】Hong Kong’s country parks cover vast areas of land, shoulder the dual missions of conserving the natural ecology and providing recreational spaces for the public. However, the issue of off-road motorcycles has gradually surfaced: some riders are illegally driving motorbikes into areas such as Kai Kung Leng or the Tin Fu Tsai North Mountain Bike Trail, causing destruction of vegetation, soil erosion, and even disrupting the natural recovery process after hillfires. These activities not only violate the Country Parks and Special Areas Regulations, but also pose a long-term threat to our precious natural environment.—⚠️ Aside from the environmental impacts, safety hazards cannot be overlooked. Motorcycles travelling at high speeds along mountain trails can easily trigger collisions when encountering legal mountain bike users or hikers. As some of these vehicles are unlicensed, it is even more difficult to hold anyone accountable if an accident occurs. Although the Government has stepped up patrols and prosecutions in recent years, the fine is only a few hundred Hong Kong dollars, which has been criticised for lacking a sufficient deterrent effect. This friction between “conservation vs. sporting demand” is progressively becoming a major challenge in Hong Kong’s country park management.—

The 🏍️ Off-Road Motorcycle Problem in Hong Kong Country Parks

Perspectives 👍 Supporters’ Stance (Sports & Entertainment) 👎 Opponents’ Stance (Conservation & Safety)

Environmental Impact Believe that if there were legal venues to centralise these activities, the impact on the countryside would be minimised. Point out that riding in areas like Kai Kung Leng destroys vegetation, exacerbates water and soil erosion, and further hinders recovery after hillfires.

Safety Issues Riders hope for regulated venues to guarantee the safety of participants. Riding against the flow of traffic has occurred on the Tin Fu Tsai North Mountain Bike Trail, posing severe dangers to hikers and mountain bikers.

Legal Aspect Criticise the Government for failing to provide legal venues over the years, leaving enthusiasts with “nowhere to go”. The Country Parks and Special Areas Regulations explicitly prohibit motorcycles from entering; offenders face a fine of only HK$300–$800, which lacks deterrent power.

Social Demand Point out that off-road motorcycling has legal venues and competitions overseas, and Hong Kong should follow suit. Maintain that the primary function of country parks is conservation and recreation, and they should not be occupied by motorised vehicles.

Solutions Suggest that the Government should establish designated zones or legal venues to meet the demands of the sport. Suggest increasing penalties, stepping up patrols, and even confiscating offending vehicles to safeguard the environment.

📌 Background

Hong Kong’s country parks account for about 40% of the territory’s total land area, with their primary uses being the conservation of the natural environment and the provision of recreational spaces.

According to the Country Parks and Special Areas Regulations, no person shall drive any motorcycle or motor vehicle into a country park unless granted a special permit.

However, off-road motorcycles (including electric dirt bikes) have emerged on certain mountain trails and grassy slopes in recent years, creating environmental damage and safety hazards.

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🚨 Problem Details

1. Environmental Destruction

Damage to Vegetation: Tyres crushing grassy slopes at high speeds scrape away the vegetation, making it difficult for the exposed soil to recover.

Soil Erosion: In places like Kai Kung Leng (located within Lam Tsuen Country Park), soil gets washed away during the rainy season, forming “gullies caused by tyre tracks”.

Post-Hillfire Damage: Vegetation is fragile after a fire, and the entry of motorcycles further obstructs natural regeneration.

2. Safety Hazards

Conflicts with Legal Bicycles: On the Tin Fu Tsai North Mountain Bike Trail (near Tai Mo Shan), there were instances of motorcycles riding against the flow of traffic, almost colliding with mountain bikers going downhill at high speeds.

Speed and Weight: Dirt bikes can reach speeds of 30–50 km/h and weigh far more than conventional bicycles, leading to severe consequences in the event of an impact.

Unlicensed Vehicles: Some of these motorcycles are unlicensed, making it difficult to trace liability if an accident happens.

3. Law Enforcement & Legal Issues

Penalties Too Lenient: Offenders are generally fined only HK$300–$800, a sum widely criticised for lacking any real deterrent effect.

Prosecution Numbers: There have been 76 prosecutions over the past five years, but actual activities far exceed this figure.

Enforcement Difficulties: The countryside spans across vast areas with limited patrolling staff, allowing motorcyclists to flee the scene rapidly.

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🏍️ Demands of Enthusiasts

Lack of Legal Venues: Currently, there are no dedicated off-road motorcycle venues in Hong Kong, forcing some riders to travel to the Mainland to practice.

Proposal for Designated Zones: Enthusiasts believe that a dirt track just “the size of a football pitch” would suffice as a practice ground.

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⚖️ Controversies & Discussions

Environmental Groups: Demand heavier penalties and even suggest confiscating the vehicles to enhance the deterrent effect.

Motorcycle Enthusiasts: Have fought for a legal venue for years without success; some have turned to the Mainland or continue to ride covertly in Hong Kong.

Government Position: Emphasises that no legal off-road motorcycle tracks will be set up within country parks, and is stepping up patrols and installing CCTV cameras.

Perspectives	👍 Supporters’ Stance (Sports & Entertainment)	👎 Opponents’ Stance (Conservation & Safety)
Environmental Impact	Believe that if there were legal venues to centralise these activities, the impact on the countryside would be minimised.	Point out that riding in areas like Kai Kung Leng destroys vegetation, exacerbates water and soil erosion, and further hinders recovery after hillfires.
Safety Issues	Riders hope for regulated venues to guarantee the safety of participants.	Riding against the flow of traffic has occurred on the Tin Fu Tsai North Mountain Bike Trail, posing severe dangers to hikers and mountain bikers.
Legal Aspect	Criticise the Government for failing to provide legal venues over the years, leaving enthusiasts with “nowhere to go”.	The Country Parks and Special Areas Regulations explicitly prohibit motorcycles from entering; offenders face a fine of only HK$300–$800, which lacks deterrent power.
Social Demand	Point out that off-road motorcycling has legal venues and competitions overseas, and Hong Kong should follow suit.	Maintain that the primary function of country parks is conservation and recreation, and they should not be occupied by motorised vehicles.
Solutions	Suggest that the Government should establish designated zones or legal venues to meet the demands of the sport.	Suggest increasing penalties, stepping up patrols, and even confiscating offending vehicles to safeguard the environment.