Death of mainland cyclist in Hong Kong sparks calls for road safety publicity boost

The death of a mainland Chinese cyclist in a Hong Kong traffic accident has prompted calls for authorities to step up road safety publicity as bike tours become more popular among visitors, with various routes promoted on a major social media platform.

More mainland tourists have been opting for bike tours in Hong Kong in recent years but safety concerns arose after celebrity cycling vlogger Pan Haili, 31, was killed on Lantau Island on Sunday.

“After getting some tips from fellow users or influencers on Xiaohongshu, many ride bicycles wherever they wish without proper preparations,” said Andy Choi, a veteran guide at local bike tour firm Smooth Ride.

Mainland social media platform Xiaohongshu, or “little red book” in Chinese, is often regarded as a budget travel bible.