Campaign to promote cycling safety starts tomorrow

Police will organise a territory-wide campaign to promote safe cycling from tomorrow (April 9) to April 22.

During the first week of the campaign, from April 9 to April 15, Police officers will distribute publicity leaflets in areas frequented by cyclists including railway stations, shops using bicycles to deliver goods, cycling tracks and cycling accident black spots. They will educate the cyclists about their responsibilities on the road and the importance of complying with traffic regulations. Offenders will be given verbal warnings.

Stringent enforcement action will be taken during the second part of the campaign against those who fail to comply with traffic laws. The campaign will also target motorists by reminding them to pay attention to cyclists on the road.

Common cycling offences include carrying another person, carrying any animal or article which obstructs the cyclist's view, riding a bicycle on the pavement and riding without illuminating necessary lights.

A Police spokesman said: "Once on the road, a cyclist is obliged to obey all traffic laws which apply to drivers and is subject to the Road Traffic Ordinance. Cyclists are also reminded to take care of other road users."

Police figures show that a total of 1 646 traffic accidents involved bicycles in 2005, a decrease of 14 per cent when compared with 2004, causing 1 704 casualties. Among them, 1 399 cyclists were injured while eight died.


Police Report No. 6

Issued by PPRB

End/Saturday, April 8, 2006