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The Police will conduct a territory-wide campaign on safe cycling from tomorrow (March 23) to March 29 to raise public awareness of cycling safety.
Police officers will distribute publicity leaflets at various locations throughout the territory with a view to promoting safe cycling messages to cyclists and the public. The Police will also take stringent actions against cycling offences.
Police figures show that in the first two months of this year, there were 268 traffic accidents involving bicycles, resulting in 243 cyclist casualties, one of them died compared with 241 traffic accidents and 228 cyclist casualties in the same period in 2011, both figures increased by 11 per cent and 7 per cent respectively.
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.
The spokesman reminded the public that traffic accidents can be fatal and urged cyclists to obey road traffic regulations and pay attention to road safety.
Police Report No.86
Ends/Thursday, March 22, 2012
Issued at HKT 09:39
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