learning the rules of the road at the road safety town, north point

Last Updated on May 31, 2016

Having grown up in a small, remote village in the north of England, where the chief sources of children’s entertainment were either to play tennis at the local court, or to cycle around the myriad of quiet country lanes; it has always been a source of bafflement to me that I have never once – in my entire life – competed in a game of tennis or learnt to ride a bike.

And although my lack of aptitude with a racket and ball has not been a great source of regret, I do from time to time wish that when my parents gave me the choice between a bike and a Care Bear castle, I hadn’t opted for the bear residence.  Which is why, even though my three year old son has shown very little interest in vehicles of any kind, including bikes (who knows, perhaps a distrust of things with wheels is genetic?), once he is a little older, he will be strongly encouraged to learn. And perhaps I’ll even embrace the potential shame, and learn with him.

The trouble is: where in Hong Kong to practice? Not just the pedaling, balancing bit (stop me if I’m overwhelming you with technical jargon here), but where –  in this city of busy roads, hills and fast, impatient taxis –  do you go to safely learn about traffic awareness, road signs and entering and exiting roundabouts? Well, it turns out the answer is more straight-forward than you may think – you go to one of Hong Kong’s Road Safety Towns of course!

There are four road safety towns spread across the territory, although being Hong Kong Island dwellers, we opted for a trip to Pak Fuk Road Safety Town in North Point.  Tucked away behind the main drag of Kings Road, just next to the Healthy Village Estate – this cute, little model world of roads, traffic lights, footbridges and subways (without a car or a speed camera in sight) – is about a ten minute walk from North Point MTR and a seven minute walk from Quarry Bay MTR station.

As I say, it certainly isn’t huge – but it is big enough for younger kids to have a good ride about, slowing down (or not!) for zebra crossings, and navigating the road signs and one way system. My son doesn’t yet own a bike, although he was very content to chase around on his scooter (no skateboards allowed though), and he and his friends also had a great time running through the subway, crossing roads and exploring this strangely realistic miniature town. I guess similarly to the appeal of play kitchens or workbenches, there is something exciting and empowering for children about role playing in a safer version of an adult world.

On weekdays, from 09.30 to 16.30, the Safety Towns can be booked by school parties and organisations, and the Hong Kong Police Force will give talks on road safety, before leading a practical outing. This does mean that if you plan to go during these times, you’d be best calling ahead to make sure you haven’t lugged your children and bikes there, just to be turned away. On weekends and public holidays, however, the parks are open to the public all day long with no bookings required.

The traffic lights and pedestrian crossings are, quite rightly, turned off when there is no organised group – but if you are keen for a truly authentic experience, you can always ask the attendant to try and turn them on for you. I say try, because when we were there recently, the woman on duty did do her best for us, but sadly the lights refused to work that day. Luckily though, our kids didn’t really seem to care, and were happy to imagine them changing colour. Also, be aware that, as the town is managed by the Leisure and Cultural Service Department, there is of course a list of rules, although as long as you don’t plan to bring along your wet washing or start a gambling den, you’ll probably be okay.

And so, after a good hour of racing around, followed by a less than successful Beatles’ Abbey Road album cover photo-shoot on the zebra crossing, we headed back out on to the marginally less peaceful streets of Hong Kong…

Extra Stuff

• This Road Safety Town has both drinking fountains, and impeccably clean children’s toilets, just in case, you know, using one leads to needing the other.
• Just to the west of the Safety Town, is Healthy Village Playground, which although is small, does offer the extra diversions of a community basketball court and a small selection of children’s play equipment (including a bouncy seasaw and a pogo stick!)

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• Just on the other side of the road, on top of the North Point Market Building, is yet another small playground (with fairly new equipment) and sitting out area. And if the heat has become all too much, you can also duck inside here to North Point Public Library, which has a good children’s section.

• You are also really not too far from Java Road Playground, Quarry Bay Park Phase 2 or King’s Road Playground – if you are in the mood to do a little playground tour! And if you really want to test out moving on wheels, King’s Road Playground has a small rollerskating rink.

• If you are looking for an indoor option following your cycle practice other than the library, you are a ten minute walk from Java Road Sports Centre, where you will find a small, free government playroom. Alternatively, if you are happy to spend a little money, there is the Playhouse playroom and the Funzone playroom, both back towards North Point MTR. Or you are about a three minute walk from the ever-popular Ryze trampoline park. Although you might want to bear in mind, if you are carrying bags, bikes and helmets, these walks might be a bit less easy.
• Keen for your kids to have some proper cycling proficiency training, before going to one of the Road Safety Towns to practice? You can contact the Cycling Association of Hong Kong.

Hunger Pangs?

As you will probably have your bikes and scooters with you, squeezing into one of the local North Point eateries might be a bit of an issue. However, you are about a ten minute walk from the spacious and child-friendly Frites, in Quarry Bay. This restaurant offers kids menus, highchairs, colouring equipment and, on weekends and bank holidays, a small play-area – as well as some great craft beers and waffles!

If you are just in need of drinks and snacks, there is a Starbucks in the Kerry Centre, about 5 minutes walk away. And if you don’t mind a queue, you can walk ten minutes back towards North Point MTR, to stock up on some famous egg waffles, although I’m afraid my Cantonese not being what it should be, I can’t give you the exact opening times for this hole-in-the-wall snack shop.

Getting There

If you are travelling by MTR, Quarry Bay Station Exit C is your closest departure point. Otherwise, you can catch one of the many buses that will drop you close by on Kings Road (see the ever helpful Google Maps for details).

If you are driving, there is a Wilson carpark  or an Imperial carpark close by.

Road Safety Town, Pak Fuk Road, North Point, Hong Kong Island
T +852 2564 2673
Open daily from 07.00 to 22.00 (although it may be booked out by school groups on weekdays from 09.30 – 16.30)

And thank you very much to David and family for providing us with a tour of North Point!