Taiwan launches top 10 bikeways campaign

2015/06/12

An Internet-based campaign naming Taiwan’s top 10 bikeways was launched June 10 by the Sports Administration under the Ministry of Education.

The best routes, which are to be nominated on the criteria of accessibility, happiness, health, participation, popularity and youth, will be submitted by local governments and tourism authorities June 15. A final list of 30 is set for online voting in August, with the top 10 revealed in October.

SA Director-General Ho Jow-fei said the result will play an instrumental role in taking the country’s cycle tourism to the next level. “Taiwan is an internationally renowned manufacturer of first-rate bikes and boasts one of the world’s finest cycling networks.

“By identifying our signature routes, we are further cementing Taiwan’s status as a biking haven for enthusiasts from home and abroad.”

According to Ho, the island’s world-class reputation for cycle tourism is regularly touted abroad, with Taiwan’s inclusion in The New York Times’ 2014 top travel destination list partly due to a cycling-friendly infrastructure.

This strong reputation is set for further strengthening at the end of the year with the opening of a 1,005-kilometer round-Taiwan bike network, enabling cyclists to experience the spectacular sights and sounds of the country in nine days.

In addition, an existing 4,486-kilometer network takes the cyclists to signature tourist destinations like the east coast, Hehuanshan and Sun Moon Lake, while providing spur paths to cultural sites such as Chimei Museum in Tainan City and National Palace Museum Southern Branch in Chiayi County.

“The network is fully equipped with distance markers, right-of-way signs and special traffic lights at busy suburban intersections,” Ho said, adding that these features help make cycling in Taiwan a safe and enjoyable experience.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=231397&ctNode=413)