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Police will conduct a one-week territory-wide operation on safe cycling from tomorrow (June 15) to June 21 to arouse public awareness of safe cycling.
To promote safe cycling messages to members of the public, Police officers regularly distribute publicity leaflets at various locations throughout the territory. During the operation, Police will take stringent actions against cycling offences.
From January to April 2016, there were 570 traffic accidents involving bicycles, causing 586 casualties. When compared with 876 traffic accidents and 910 casualties in the same period of 2015, the figures decreased by 35 per cent and 36 per cent respectively. Four cyclists (all aged 59 and above) died in the accidents in 2016, showing an increase of one person when compared with the same period of 2015.
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 on the pavement, carrying another person, carrying any animal or article which obstructs the cyclist's view, and riding without illuminating necessary lights at night or times of poor visibility.
The spokesman reminded members of the public that traffic accidents can be fatal and urged cyclists to obey road traffic regulations and pay attention to road safety.
For more road safety information, please visit the Police website:
http://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/05_traffic_matters/enforcement.html
Ends/Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Issued at HKT 11:56
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