Safe cycling campaign starts tomorrow
*************************************

Police will organise a territory-wide campaign from tomorrow (October 15) to October 21 to promote safe cycling.

During the first three days of the campaign, October 15 to 17, police officers will distribute publicity leaflets in areas frequented by cyclists, including cycling tracks, railway stations and shops that use bicycles to deliver fast food.

They will remind cyclists, especially fast food delivery workers and their employers that cyclists are obliged to obey all traffic laws which apply to drivers and are subject to the Road Traffic Ordinance once they are on the road. They should also be conscious of other road users. 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 against offenders from October 18 to 21.

A police spokesman said that common cycling offences included carrying another person, carrying any animal or article which obstructed the cyclist's view, riding a bicycle on the pavement, and riding without illuminating necessary lights.

Police figures show that there were 1 015 traffic accidents involving bicycles during the first eight months in 2008, an increase of 1.7% compared with the same period in 2007. Among the 921 casualties involving cyclists, three died and 103 were seriously injured.

Police Report No. 4
Issued by PPRB

Tuesday, October 14, 2008
NNNN