Campaign to promote cycling safety

Police will organise a territory-wide campaign to promote safe cycling from tomorrow (July 30) to August 19.

During the first week of the campaign from July 30 to August 5, Police officers will distribute publicity leaflets in areas frequented by cyclists, including railway stations, cycling tracks and shops that use bicycles to deliver goods.

They will educate cyclists on their responsibilities on the road and the importance of complying with traffic regulations. Offenders will be given verbal warnings. Motorists will also be reminded to pay attention to cyclists.

Stringent enforcement action will be taken during the second part of the campaign from August 6 to 19, against those who break traffic laws.

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

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."

Police figures (provisional) show that a total of 720 traffic accidents involved bicycles in the first half of 2006, a decrease of 2.4 per cent when compared with the same period in 2005, causing 756 casualties. Among them, 619 cyclists were injured while three died.

Police Report No. 5

Issued by PPRB

Ends/Saturday, July 29, 2006