The Office of the Ombudsman said on Tuesday it has launched a full investigation of the regulatory mechanism for illegal parking caused by bicycle rental shops.

The move came after the watchdog received a public complaint against four government departments that centred around the claim that large numbers of bicycles have long been parked in public walkways outside some rental shops in the New Territories, "obstructing and even endangering" passersby.

The complainant, it said, had requested the Home Affairs Department take follow-up action in conjunction with the Food and Environmental Hygiene, Lands and Transport departments, but the problem still persisted.

In a statement, Ombudsman Jack Chan said illegal bicycle parking in the New Territories "persists and has even worsened" in spite of law enforcement and clearance actions.

"There is public demand for bicycle rental services in various districts. It is, therefore, worth exploring how bicycle rental services can be provided to enable cyclists without inconveniencing pedestrians and causing accidents," he said.

Members of the public can submit their views on the issue by September 12.