Premier Mao Chi-kuo today launched the opening ceremony for Cycling Route No. 1.
According to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC), this round-the-island route totals 968 kilometers and has clearly marked signs and lanes to guide cyclists. Along the way 122 supply stations provide cyclists with supplies and rest amenities. The full route takes about nine days to complete. Out of consideration for cyclists who may not be able to finish the full route, the MOTC has set up 11 transit depots, including Songshan Station, where exhausted cyclists can take to railways to conclude their trip.
The MOTC has also set up a dedicated round-the-island cycling website (http://itaiwanbike.iot.gov.tw) providing cyclists with information regarding pre-ride preparations, trip planning, route conditions and supply stations.
Premier Mao stated that he envisions Taiwan becoming a "cycling paradise," and relevant strategies are necessary to achieve this vision. He cited two MOTC measures as examples: designating slow motorways on Provincial Highways No. 2 and No. 9 as cycling lanes, and establishing bicycle service stations at Taiwan Railways stations with shower facilities and a full range of services, such as allowing cyclists to rent bicycles at one service station and return them at another. Local governments have also joined in cycling promotion; local police stations have even served as "courier depots" providing drinks and other services.
Taiwan's cycling tourism and sporting events are renowned worldwide, Mao pointed out. He cited the Taiwan KOM (king of the mountains) Challenge 2015 that took competitors on a steep 105-kilometer ride ascending to 3,275 meters above sea level. Europeans acclaim the Taiwan KOM Challenge as tantamount to their KOM race in the Alps, the premier noted. He affirmed that such accomplishments are the results of everyone's hard work and announced that this year marks a new era for Taiwan's cycling activities.