Cycling in Taichung for fitness and leisure can now also connect you to the neighboring counties of Changhua, Nantou, and Miaoli. The city government announced today (1st) that it will build a comprehensive bicycle network linked to tourism resources, extending to the three nearby counties. Over the next four years, 207.59 kilometers of new bike lanes are planned, along with a 100km hiking trail system. This will add 25km of trails—focused on natural landscapes, ecological experiences, and cultural history—to the existing 75km under management, enriching Taichung’s travel offerings and attracting international tourists.
Chen Sheng-shan, Director of the Tourism Bureau, said the bicycle network plan is divided into two phases. The first phase, from 2015 to 2018, involves creating the “Greater Taichung Ring Bike Path” and the “Central Taiwan Cross-Region Bike Path Connection Project.”
The ring bike path includes the Mega Loop (Mountain-Sea Line + Jiahou Line + Huhe Bike Path from Dali to Wuri), the Small Loop (Fengyuan Boulevard), the Medium Loop (Huhe Bike Path from Fengyuan to Shengan Section + TanYashen Greenway), and the Large Loop (Huhe Bike Path), among four loops. These cater to cyclists of all levels, making the bike network more complete.
Mayor Lin Chia-lung emphasized that Fengyuan is a key focus in Taichung’s bicycle network development. The ongoing “100km Ring City Bike Path” project uses Fengyuan Boulevard as its main route. Once completed, it will connect four recreational bike paths: Dongfeng, Houfeng, TanYashen, and Hanxi. In the future, this will be paired with the 2018 International Flora Exposition to establish Taichung as a garden and low-carbon city.
“Bike City will become Taichung’s brand!” Lin Chia-lung is optimistic about the multiple aspects of cycling tourism, industry, and sports. The brand has high added value and is a highly competitive industry in Taiwan. The interconnected hiking and cycling trails will create a synergistic effect.
.
(China Times)