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Police will run a two-week territory-wide safe cycling campaign from tomorrow (November 29) to December 12, to remind cyclists to abide by traffic regulations.
During the first week of the campaign from November 29 to December 5, Police officers will distribute publicity leaflets in areas frequented by cyclists, including railway stations, cycling tracks and shops that use bicycles to conduct deliveries. They will educate 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.
Stringent enforcement actions will then be taken against offenders from December 6 to 12.
A Police spokesman said, "Once on the road, cyclists are obliged to obey the same traffic laws that 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.
Police figures show that there were 1,568 traffic accidents involving bicycles, resulting in 1,449 cyclist casualties during the period January to October 2010. Seven of them were killed. When compared with 1,524 traffic accidents and 1,342 cyclist casualties in the same period in 2009, the figures represent an increase of 3% and 8% respectively.
Police Report No. 12
Issued by PPRB
Ends/Sunday, November 28, 2010
Issued at HKT 14:43
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