Gary Chan

Gary Chan is a cyclist and inventor from Hong Kong and one of the pioneers in making upcycling bicycle in Hong Kong. He was prosecuted by police for riding his self-made solar-powered bicycle in summer 2014 and the case raised criticism of Hong Kong's outmoded traffic laws. Early life Gary Chan showed great creativity in his childhood years and wanted to become a sculptor, but had little aptitude in his academic studies. He performed well in sports when he was studying in Jockey Club Ti-I College. He left school after Form 3 and had a string of jobs in manufacturing and construction. Inventor career He began to create custom bicycles in 2005 using recycled metal and bicycle parts. He learnt welding skills from a metal workshop near his day job. In August 2014, Chan was arrested while riding a prototype solar-powered bicycle in Kwun Tong after the police had received complaints. The bicycle was confiscated. He was charged with driving an unregistered vehicle and driving without valid insurance. The solar-powered bicycle was confiscated. The court case was heard on 19 September 2014, in which Chan pleaded guilty. He was fined HK$3,000 and his driving licence was suspended for one year. The case raised public concern about outdated government policies on traffic enforcement and innovation.