*************************************
Police will run a territory-wide campaign to promote safe cycling from tomorrow (November 23) to December 6.
During the first week of the campaign from November 23 to 29, Police officers will distribute publicity leaflets in areas frequented by cyclists, including railway stations, cycling tracks and shops that use bicycles to deliver goods. They will educate the cyclists on their responsibilities on the road and the importance of complying with traffic regulations. Offenders will be given verbal warnings and motorists will also be reminded to pay attention to cyclists on the road.
Enforcement action will be taken from November 30 to December 6 against offenders.
A Police spokesman said, "Once on the road, cyclists are obliged to obey all traffic laws which apply to drivers and are subject to the Road Traffic Ordinance. They should also take care of other road users."
Common cycling offences include carrying another person, carrying any animal or article which obstructs the cyclist's view, riding a bicycle on the pavement and riding without illuminating necessary lights.
Police figures show that there were 1,491 traffic accidents involving bicycles, resulting in 1,310 cyclist casualties during the first ten months in 2009. The figures represent an increase of 13 per cent and 10 per cent respectively when compared with the same period in 2008. Among these casualties, seven died, an increase of one death when compared with the same period last year.
Police Report No. 3
Issued by PPRB
Ends/Sunday, November 22, 2009
Issued at HKT 10:38
NNNN
