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Police will launch a territory-wide publicity campaign on cycling safety from tomorrow (September 9) to September 15. Police officers will distribute publicity leaflets to members of the public at traffic accident blackspots involving bicycles as well as staff at shops where bicycles are commonly used for delivery.
Following the publicity campaign, the Police will conduct a territory-wide enforcement operation between September 16 and 22 to take stringent actions against cycling offences.
Police figures show that there were 1 447 traffic accidents involving bicycles, resulting in 1 359 cyclist casualties in the first eight months of 2011. The figures represent an increase of 13 per cent and 15 per cent respectively when compared with 1 275 traffic accidents and 1 184 cyclist casualties during the same period of 2010. Among cyclist casualties in the first eight months of 2011, 10 died, an increase of four when compared with the same period of last year.
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.
The spokesman reminded the public that traffic accidents could be fatal and urged cyclists to obey road traffic regulations and to pay attention to road safety.
Police Report No. 11
Ends/Thursday, September 8, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:26
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