Hong Kong is not exactly bike-friendly. But there are a few decent MTB options and some easy routes good for a relaxed day out.

As usual, first my disclaimer. I am far from a good cyclist. When I was a kid we used the bike daily to move around our grandparents’ village where we spent the summer and weekends. So there I learned the basics both on the road and off-road, bike maintenance, etc. Reckless kiddos. Jumping over obstacles, riding down too steep slopes, etc. I broke my elbow falling down a mini cliff when I was 11 (?) That didn’t stop me for long. Already in late high school, after a mountain session, back in the village I broke my collar bone 🤦‍♂️ A gutter on a road crossing had a rack missing. Small enough so that I couldn’t see it at moderate speed. Big enough to block my front wheel and catapult me.

Since then I was aware that no matter how carefully I rode, there could be something outside my control that could create a serious accident. The fun factor went significantly down. Later I “discovered” trail running and my MTB days ended completely.

In Hong Kong I have done a couple of triathlon races without training on the road whatsoever 😄 I don’t like the lack of bike culture here compared with Europe. Roads are narrow, cars can get dangerously close to the few cyclists who dare to ride on roads, and accidents can be nasty. Triathletes used to meet with the sunrise in Shek O or far away around Bride’s Pool… Pass… Too much effort.

I have ridden also on the bike lanes starting from Tai Mo Shan to Tai Mei Tuk for “fun”. Extremely crowded on good weather days with some that do not know the basics nor can go up the tiniest slope.

Here the map with the shops we have used, routes biked, and others that I know although have never done.

The most well-known cycling lane, as mentioned, is all around Shing Mun River up to Tai Mei Tuk.

Tons of bike rental shops in Tai Wai & others. Some chains allow you to pick up the bike in one shop and return it in another. For example, LK Bikes. Ending up on the newly created beach or riding on the Plover Cove main dam is the Instagram post that most are looking for.

Cute and nice but on good weather weekends and public holidays, when it can be extremely crowded. Have you watched the little accident in the video in the post above? A real possibility too…

A little further North you can see quite some cyclists on Bride’s Pool road.

The cycling lane extends from Shatin till Tuen Mun. It is not the most convenient though. Tons of sections where you should walk, cross the road with traffic lights, not properly paved sections… Better with a MTB, above all if you detour to check the Wetlands. If you want to go the longest Tuen Mun to Ma On Shan is approx 60km.

While hiking and trail running, I have found MTBers in several spots. Mostly on legal paths. Sometimes on others that are not. As of 2024, there are 15 Designated Mountain Bike Trails (more information from the Gov). Most are in the Tai Lam area. A few more in Lantau, Saikung, and Dragon’s Back. The latter is open only on weekdays. On Sundays and holidays, hikers are only allowed. Some others, like in High Junk around Clear Water Bay, have double paths. One for hikers, one for bicycles.

Out of those, technically it is illegal to ride bikes on the hills. Above all on main hiking paths. Police can fine you if they catch you. Something that happened to a colleague of mine who was not aware of the regulation.

Nevertheless, you can frequently see MTBers in Kai Kung Leng or the badlands, for example. Even with dirt bikes.

If you are new to MTB you could rent a bike in Mui Wo and head up to the Mui Wo Mountain bike training ground. Chi Ma Wan, close by, has a really picturesque route, but it is definitely not for beginners. Unless you want to hike quite a bit with your bike next to you too 😉 Easier routes further West.

As per my Google-ing, you have mtbhk who offer guided rides and training. No experience with them.