Kai Tak GreenWay Opens: 600-Metre Path for Pedestrians and Cyclists Now Accessible to Public.

First section of GreenWay in Kai Tak Development opens today

The first section of the GreenWay in Kai Tak Development (KTD) for shared use by pedestrians and cyclists is open to the public from today (September 27). It is about 600 metres long and located at the Kai Tak Promenade near the east of the Kai Tak Bridge in the former runway area (please refer to the location map).

With a total length of about 13 kilometres, the GreenWay in Kai Tak connects open spaces in the area including Kai Tak Station Square, Kai Tak Sports Park and the promenades on both sides of the former runway area. This allows for better utilisation of the open spaces and waterfront area, facilitates the integration of cycle routes and the surrounding environment, and enhances the connectivity of open spaces, hence improving the coherence of the overall design of the KTD.

The GreenWay in Kai Tak is being implemented in two phases to dovetail with the implementation programme of the infrastructure projects and open spaces in the area. The first phase is about 7.5km long. Apart from the section opened today, the majority of the remaining part is expected to open in phases in 2025. The second phase, which is about 5.5km long, is expected to be implemented and opened progressively in 2025 and beyond, to tie in with government and private development projects in the area.

The Civil Engineering and Development Department has considered the setting of Hong Kong and referenced the experiences of Mainland and overseas cities in the design of the GreenWay in Kai Tak. A six-month pilot project was carried out at the Kwun Tong Promenade, with questionnaire surveys conducted with more than 12 000 pedestrians and cyclists. The respondents were generally satisfied with the pilot project.

The GreenWay in Kai Tak, with a width of 6m in general, provides sufficient and comfortable space for shared use by pedestrians and cyclists. To enhance safety, ground markings have been added along the GreenWay to guide pedestrians and cyclists to keep to their respective sides so as to maintain an appropriate distance from each other. Signs and speed-reducing rumble strips have also been put in place at some locations to prevent cyclists from going too fast. Moreover, a barrier-free walkway for pedestrians runs alongside the GreenWay, offering an additional option for the public. Bicycle parking spaces are available within the area.

The section of the GreenWay opened today is managed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. As the GreenWay for shared use is a relatively new concept in Hong Kong, banners listing relevant rules for users have been put up there. The Government will also strengthen publicity to enhance public understanding of the merits of the GreenWay and awareness of safety. At the initial stage after the opening, ambassadors will be present at the GreenWay to provide appropriate reminders to users.

For details of the GreenWay in KTD, please visit the thematic website (www.kaitakgreenway.hk/en).

First section of GreenWay in Kai Tak Development opens today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

First section of GreenWay in Kai Tak Development opens today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

First section of GreenWay in Kai Tak Development opens today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

First section of GreenWay in Kai Tak Development opens today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Woman sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment for illegally importing and cruelty to endangered turtles

A 45-year-old Chinese woman who smuggled 64 endangered turtles into Hong Kong was convicted and sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment today (September 27) for violating the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169).

On January 27, Customs officers intercepted a Chinese female passenger who arrived in Hong Kong from Tokyo at Hong Kong International Airport. Upon inspection, 64 turtles were found in her suitcase. Thirty-seven turtles were wrapped in socks and the remaining 27 were packed into two small plastic boxes. An officer of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) attended the scene and confirmed that all turtles (including 61 box turtles (Terrapene spp.) and three spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata)) were Appendix II species listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, and are regulated locally under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance. The woman was arrested at the scene.

Charges were laid against the woman for breaching the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance for illegally importing species listed under Appendix II of the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance and animal cruelty. She pleaded guilty and was convicted today at the District Court, which meted out a sentence of a total of 18 months behind bars.

According to the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.

Also, according to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, any person who, by wantonly or unreasonably doing or omitting to do any act, causes any unnecessary suffering to any animal commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years upon conviction.

A spokesman for the AFCD stressed, "The Government is committed to protecting endangered species and safeguarding animal welfare. The AFCD will remain vigilant and continue to monitor and combat illegal activities involving endangered species and animal cruelty."

Members of the public may call 1823 to report any suspected irregularities to the AFCD and visit the AFCD website: www.cites.hk regarding the control of endangered species in Hong Kong.

Woman sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment for illegally importing and cruelty to endangered turtles Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Woman sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment for illegally importing and cruelty to endangered turtles Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases