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The following is issued on behalf of the Road Safety Council:
To promote safe cycling, the Road Safety Council (RSC), together with Tai Po District Council, the Hong Kong Road Safety Patrol (NT North) and the New Territories North Traffic Unit of the Hong Kong Police, has launched the Summer Safe Cycling 2011 campaign. The launch ceremony was held at the Tai Po Waterfront Park Amphitheatre today (July 10).
Cycling safety is an issue of concern to the RSC. Police figures reveal that 829 traffic accidents involving bicycles took place during the first five months of this year, resulting in 779 cyclist casualties. These figures represent increases of 10 per cent and 12 per cent respectively when compared with the same period last year.
Organised by the RSC, the Summer Safe Cycling campaign aims to enhance cyclists' awareness of road safety and emphasise the importance of personal protective equipment when cycling. The RSC also reminds cyclists that they are subject to the Road Traffic Ordinance and are obliged to obey all traffic laws that apply to drivers.
After the ceremony, officiating guests rode along the cycle track and distributed leaflets and souvenirs, which were well received by cyclists and the public.
Ends/Sunday, July 10, 2011
Issued at HKT 14:00
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