DPP's Shen Pao-yang Consults Taipei Motorcycle Association, Highlights Disconnected Bike Lane Issues

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Pao-yang visited the Taipei City Motor Commerce Association today to listen to their suggestions, stating that motorcycle shops are the lifeblood of the city's transportation and were thus chosen as the first stop for his transportation policy tour. He also raised the issue of multiple disconnected points in bike lanes, which he believes should be improved starting from areas around school campuses.

Shen attended the "Taipei City Motor Commerce Association Symposium" in the afternoon. When asked by the media before the event about the focus of his visit and his views on the pain points of motorcyclists and cyclists, he shared his thoughts.

He stated, "Motorcycle shops are the lifeblood of the entire city's transportation, like its capillaries. For the care of motorcyclists and for policy promotion, motorcycle shops are a very important part of Taipei. Today, I came to the Motor Commerce Association to discuss issues related to inspections and promotion to facilitate the subsequent proposal of transportation policies."

Shen said that motorcyclists face many pain points, including right-of-way issues and slippery roads in rainy weather. With a large number of motorcyclists in Taipei, along with numerous commuters, pedestrians, and car users, finding a balance is crucial. He plans to gradually propose a more complete transportation policy, hence starting with motorcycle shops.

Shen also mentioned that many of Taipei's bike lanes are set up on sidewalks, but their design easily leads to disconnected points. "Even pushing a baby stroller encounters many difficulties," he said. "At the very least, the bike lanes around schools must be connected to allow all users with accessibility needs to move more safely and conveniently in the city."

When asked by the media about former Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je's comment associating the "Great Taipei Skyline" with rooftops, Shen explained, "The 'Great Taipei Skyline' was a hiking route centered on the Taipei Basin proposed by mountaineering enthusiasts about 10 years ago."

Shen said, "If we're talking about hiking, discussing routes based on the basin is something mountaineers appreciate, and this was proposed by them. Mountaineers are also citizens and residents, and their opinions should be respected. The period it was proposed was also during Ko's administration; perhaps Ko Wen-je has forgotten and misunderstood a bit."

Regarding his recent statement about not ruling out a visit to mainland China, which prompted Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an to ask, "Doesn't the DPP say that any exchange with the other side creates a breach for infiltration?" Shen responded that both the Kuomintang and the Taipei City Government now tend to ask questions using distorted interpretations of his words. "When I talk about a transportation network for the 'Great Taipei Skyline,' the city government issues a press release saying 'Shen Pao-yang wants to build a trail here,'" he said.

Shen stated, "I have reiterated many times that cross-strait exchanges and forums must be effective, reciprocal, transparent in content, traceable afterwards, and involve citizen participation. Whether there are risks related to China is a separate issue. We are currently proposing various views on which cities Taipei can exchange with to focus on municipal affairs. I don't understand why the other side keeps bringing up China and infiltration; it baffles me."

He mentioned that when he discussed how to manage minibus services at Fengguizui for A-to-B and B-to-A travel, the city government again issued a press release claiming he wanted minibuses to pass through every hiking trail entrance. He found this practice of deliberately distorting others' words and then using fake news to ask questions through the media to be very inappropriate and called for a return to municipal discussions.

Finally, when asked if the city government's press releases violated administrative neutrality, Shen said, "I feel very saddened. They put words I never said into my mouth; this has been happening for the past two years. But what's sadder now is that the political manipulation behind it makes frontline civil servants bear the responsibility for political attacks, which is very improper."

Shen said, "This is probably something their campaign headquarters is doing. When did Taipei's city departments become Chiang Wan-an's campaign headquarters? I believe Chiang Wan-an himself would not agree with this approach. They are using press releases like personal Facebook posts, filled with things I never said. Citizens will not buy this way of fighting an election. I believe Chiang Wan-an will also agree with my comments."