Premier Su Tseng-chang on Thursday said that the government will invest NT$1.6 billion (US$51.6 million) over the coming four years to continue improvements to Taiwan's road network, service infrastructure and road safety, with an eye toward encouraging bicycle tourism. Work will also include the integration of national scenic areas and the planning of 16 new routes in order to create in-depth experiences suitable for both local cyclers and those from abroad.
The premier's remarks came after a briefing by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) on plans to promote round-the-island bicycling in Taiwan and interconnect a wide variety of routes. After gradual improvements over the years, the nation currently boasts the island-encircling Cycling Route No. 1, with 25 branch routes that comprise a network totaling about 2,690 kilometers of roadway.
Bicycle manufacturing has long stood as one of Taiwan's flagship industries, with a total output value of NT$115.3 billion (US$ 3.8 billion) in 2018, Premier Su said. Known internationally as the "bicycle kingdom," the nation is home to Giant, Merida and other cycling brands that are globally recognized as leaders in the industry and sold throughout the world. Taiwan's own bicycle users number 5.11 million, thanks in part to a dense network of cycling paths.
During his first stint as premier over a decade ago, the Executive Yuan initiated a program to increase the mileage available to the nation's cyclers and hikers, and declared May 5 "Bicycle Day" in Taiwan, Premier Su said. He also noted that it was only last year that the United Nations set June 3 as World Bicycle Day, attesting to Taiwan's advanced attitude toward cycling.
The MOTC plans span a period from 2020 to 2023 and focus on three major areas: creating a world-class cycling network involving unique tourism activities, developing multifaceted bicycle tours for exploring local regions, and improving the quality and safety of Taiwan's existing round-the-island cycling network.