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NTN safe-cycling campaign
 Tour de' Force: An NTN officer helps out a young cyclist with her safety gear |
New Territories North Traffic, numerous districts and the Police Public Relations Branch jointly organised the operation which involved a week of education followed by a week of prosecutions.
From July 4 to 17, officers distributed leaflets at cycling accident black spots in NTN Region to enhance cyclists' knowledge of road regulations.
More than 3,100 leaflets were distributed and 831 warnings were issued to offenders. Banners promoting safe cycling were also erected around the black spots to remind bikers.
Most offenders were found to be "riding on footpaths without obvious necessity", while many others were "carrying another person while cycling".
Cyclists generally overlooked the safety aspects of riding a bike, taking it as fun. They ride on the streets while their skills are still insufficient and fail to don protective gear.
Last year, 580 traffic accidents in NTN involved bicycles, 231 due to loss of balance of the cyclist making up almost 40 per cent of the figure.
The NTN Road Safety Section held a bike safety promotion at the Tolo Highway cycling track near Yuen Chau Chai Park on July 10, to remind riders of bike safety.
About 300 people visited the promotion which featured seminars on protective gear, safe riding and road regulations, and accident photos to raise their awareness of potential dangers.
From July 11 to 17, 455 offending cyclists were prosecuted.