Opinion

Building a biking paradise

(CNA)

• Publication Date：03/25/2012
• Source： Taiwan Today

The enormously popular Taipei International Cycle Show wrapped up March 10 in Taiwan, attracting record crowds and cementing the island’s reputation as a leading global bike-maker. The event, in its 25th incarnation, is the second largest of its kind in the world and Asia’s premier cycling goods platform.

A total of 6,000 foreigner buyers visited the show, casting an eye over the wares of 1,092 companies in 3,288 booths. It is estimated that benefits to Taiwan’s cycle manufacturers and associated businesses from the event stood at NT$5 billion (US$169 million).

The success of the show is a strong indicator that cycling is on the up and up in Taiwan. For example, the island’s premier race Tour de Taiwan was upgraded recently by the Union Cycliste Internationale to a premium-level event, clearing the way for more pro teams from overseas to take part in subsequent editions.

The ROC government is playing a key role in this drive to boost Taiwan’s standing on the international biking stage. It is building a cyclist-friendly environment that simultaneously benefits the development of related industries.

(Courtesy of Sun Moon Lake National Scenic Area Administration)

Over next few years, the government plans to construct 2,000 kilometers of bike paths in the mountains and along the coastline. So far, 600 kilometers have been completed, with the cities of Taipei and Hsinchu linked and all of Taiwan’s cycle routes to be connected by 2016.

Such commitment augurs well for the island’s nascent bicycle tourism sector, and is sure to attract valuable media attention around the world.

In 2010, Taiwan was ranked by travel guide company Lonely Planet as one of the best cycling destinations in the world. This year, U.S.-based CNN travel website CNNGo, Canadian daily Ottawa Citizen and United Arab Emirates newspaper The National all recommended various destinations across the island for their biking appeal.

Kenting, Guanshan, Sun Moon Lake and eastern Taiwan won kudos in the pedal-pusher stakes for their scenic value, confirming that the island’s bike activities now extend beyond manufacturing and professional competition to international tourism.

But Taiwan still has some way to go before it can consider itself on par with major cycling countries such as Denmark, France and Japan. The government is aware of this fact and will continue shifting through the development gears to ensure the island learns from these pacesetters and takes its place at the head of the pack.

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