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

Police will run a territory-wide campaign from tomorrow (April 21) to April 29 to promote safe cycling.

Police officers will distribute publicity leaflets in areas frequented by cyclists, including cycling tracks, railway stations and shops that use bicycles to deliver takeout food from April 21 to 24. Members of the public, food delivery workers and their employers will be reminded that cyclists are obliged to obey all traffic laws that apply to drivers. Motorists will also be reminded to pay attention to cyclists on the road.

During the first four days of the campaign, offenders will be given verbal warnings. Stringent enforcement action will be taken against offenders in the following five days from April 25 to 29.

Common cycling offences include carrying passenger, carrying 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, "Cyclists are subject to the Road Traffic Ordinance once they are on the road. They should also be conscious of other road users."

Police figures show that there were 333 traffic accidents involving bicycles, resulting in 292 cyclist casualties during the first three months of 2009. While recording a decrease of 5.1 per cent and 9 per cent respectively compared with the same period in 2008, fatalities increased by three deaths.

Police Report No. 3

Ends/Monday, April 20, 2009