Bike right: Police start the two-week Hong Kong-wide cycling safety campaign.

In view of rising bicycle accidents, Police launched a two-week Hong Kong-wide cycling safety campaign today.

Comprising on-street education and enforcement, the campaign will run until August 9.

The first week will focus on education. Officers will distribute publicity leaflets and souvenirs in areas frequented by cyclists including railway stations, cycling tracks and bike rental shops as well as cycling accident blackspots to enhance road safety awareness.

They will give verbal warnings to cyclists who break the law to remind them to abide by the Road Traffic Ordinance.

Stringent enforcement action will be stepped up in the subsequent week against those who fail to comply.

During the first half of this year, there were 771 bicycle accidents, representing a 5% increase when compared with the same period in 2002.

Meanwhile, 805 casualties involving bicycles were reported in the first six months of the year.