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The Police will conduct a territory-wide campaign on safe cycling from tomorrow (January 9) to January 15 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 there were 2 144 traffic accidents involving bicycles, resulting in 2 004 cyclist casualties, between January and November 2011. These figures represent an increase of 22 per cent and 23 per cent respectively compared with 1 758 traffic accidents and 1 630 cyclist casualties during the same period in 2010. Up to the end of November last year 17 cyclists had died in traffic accidents, an increase of eight compared with the same period in 2010.
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. 121
Ends/Sunday, January 8, 2012
Issued at HKT 10:47
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