Campaign to promote cycling safety starts tomorrow

Police will organise a two-week territory-wide campaign to promote safe cycling from tomorrow (April 1).

During the first week from April 1 to 7, Police officers will distribute publicity leaflets in areas frequented by cyclists, including railway stations, shops that use bicycles to deliver goods, cycling tracks and cycling black spots.

They will educate the 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 action will be taken during the second week from April 8 to 14 against offenders.

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, 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 show that there were 210 traffic accidents involving bicycles during the first two months in 2007, a decrease of 10 per cent compared with the same period in 2006. Among the 220 casualties, 193 cyclists were injured while one died.


Police Report No. 4

Issued by PPRB

Saturday, March 31, 2007