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 From Hong Kong's Information Services Department
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August 7, 2004
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Road safety
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Cycling safety campaign launches

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Cycling safety campaign

Don't double: 'Doubling' or carrying a passenger on a bicycle is dangerous and an offence.

Police will launch a two-week bicycle safety campaign from August 8 to educate riders on road safety and take stringent enforcement action against law offenders.

 

Traffic accidents involving bicycles surged 23% in the first half of this year, over the same period last year, to 961. Of the 1,011 casualties, 826 cyclists were injured and five killed.

 

Police will distribute leaflets in accident blackspots and areas frequented by cyclists to enhance road safety awareness. The campaign will also target motorists, reminding them to watch for cyclists.

 

Offenders will be given verbal warnings during the first week, except blatant offenders, and stringent enforcement action will be taken afterwards.

 

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

 

Once on the road, a cyclist is obliged to obey all traffic laws which apply to drivers and mind other road users.