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Police will run a territory-wide campaign from tomorrow (April 16) to April 29 to promote safe cycling.
During the first week of the campaign from April 16 to 22, Police officers will distribute publicity leaflets in areas frequented by cyclists, including railway stations, cycling tracks and shops that use bicycles to deliver take-out food. 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 against offenders from April 23 to 29.
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 included riding on the pavement, carrying another person, carrying any animal or article which obstructs the cyclistˇ¦s view and riding without illuminating necessary lights.
Police figures show that there were 372 traffic accidents involved bicycles, resulting in 340 cyclist casualties during the first three months in 2010. When compared to 352 traffic accidents and 307 cyclist casualties in the same period in 2009, the figures represent an increase of 5.7 per cent and 10.7 per cent respectively.
Police Report No. 1
Ends/Thursday, April 15, 2010
Issued at HKT 11:47
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