It is very dangerous if you don’t follow the driving regulations.
Like England, we drive on the left side of a bidirectional road here in HK. Slow cars drive on the leftmost lane. Bicycles are slower than cars, so naturally one should ride on the leftmost lane of the same direction unless you need to turn right. Bike riders should not follow the way motorcyclists ride their motorcycles, a bicycle can never go as fast as a motorcycle.
In HK, riding on sidewalks are strictly prohibited, especially in the city. Not so enforced in the country side in the New Territories. The trouble with riding on the streets is that there are way too many traffic lights in the metro areas making bike riding a very unenjoyable experience. Pollution from motor vehicles is also very bad. On the other hand, riding on the streets in the New Territories is much fun; however, in HK, none of the highways or bridges allow bicycle riding at all. Some bridges may not even allow walking. So be very careful at any intersections or highway entrances. Be on the look out for the highway section signs.
Most bicycle accidents in HK are riding too fast, running red lights and not following driving regulations. Another common mistake is entering roundabouts, most bike riders get into the roundabout on the fast lane heading straight through the roundabout cutting corner without yielding to on going traffic already within the roundabout.
Another common mistake by cyclist is that their bikes don’t have proper lighting. A constantly on red rear light and a constantly on white front light is required at night. Flashing light is not allowed but not to strictly enforced. Supposedly, a bike must also have white front and red rear reflectors but if you have a proper lighting it may be OK. It really depends on the police officer.
If you follow all the proper hand signalling, shoulder checks, stopping at intersections, and the rest of the driving regulations it is usually quite safe to ride on the streets of HK.
WhaUSay?!