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Police will launch a territory-wide campaign to promote safe cycling from tomorrow (April 14) to April 27 to remind cyclists to abide by traffic regulations.
During the first week of the campaign from April 14 to 20, Police officers will distribute publicity leaflets in areas frequented by cyclists, including railway stations, cycling tracks and shops that use bicycles to conduct deliveries. Cyclists will be reminded of their responsibilities on the road and the importance of complying with traffic regulations. Offenders will be given verbal warnings. Motorists will also be reminded to pay attention to cyclists on the road.
Enforcement actions against offenders will be taken from April 21 to 27.
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 failing to comply with traffic signs or road markings, riding bicycle on the pavement, carrying another person, carrying any animal or article which obstructs the cyclist's view, and riding without illuminating necessary lights.
Police figures show that there were 366 traffic accidents involving bicycles, resulting in 343 cyclist casualties in the first three months of 2011. The figures present a drop of 9 per cent and 5 per cent respectively when compared with 400 traffic accidents and 360 cyclist casualties in the same period of 2010. Among cyclist casualties in the first three months of 2011, two died, same as in the same period of last year.
Police Report No.7
Ends/Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Issued at HKT 15:18
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