Cycling accident deaths on rise

The police on Sunday expressed concern about a rise in the number of cyclists killed in traffic accidents. The number of fatalities in the first six months of 2024 stood at seven, up from two in the same period last year. Chief inspector of Police Traffic Branch (Road Safety), Lam Kai-sum, described the increase as worrying, adding that six of the victims did not wear a helmet or any protective gear. "Enforcement action can help to lower the fatal accident figures," Lam said. "So our enforcement aim is to reduce the number of fatalities... (and) to change the irresponsible behaviour of road users." Overall, 51 people were killed in traffic accidents in the first half of the year. Police also said the number of those who died or were seriously injured dropped 42 percent to 392 from 675 a year ago.