Chu: Strengthen advocacy to reduce bicycle accidents
Chu: Strengthen advocacy to reduce bicycle accidents
In recent years, as part of the movement to save energy and reduce carbon production, the city has promoted bicycles as a mode of transportation. As the number of cyclists increases, ensuring the safety of the cyclist becomes a challenge. During the traffic safety meeting today (2/25), Mayor Chu asked the Transportation Department and the Police Department to increase education and advocacy for the safety of cyclists and motorists.
During the traffic safety meeting today, the Police Department and the Transportation Department presented “2015 Traffic Law Enforcement Highlights” and “Zone Remodeling for Bicycles,” respectively.
Mayor Chu said that as the public awareness for energy consumption and carbon production increases, the number of people riding bicycles or YOUBIKEs for daily commute or recreation also increased. Ensuring the safety of the cyclist is posing to be a serious challenge. The mayor said that the average pedestrian is not used to the speed of bicycles when crossing streets; additionally, when bicycles cross intersections at high speed, nearby cars and motocycles might not see these bicycles due to blind spots and cause accidents. To cyclists, car, motorcycles, and pedestrians all pose potential danger. The mayor continued that current traffic laws are fairly loose and lack proper prohibitions. Therefore, bicycle safety advocacy and education are of top priority; the city needs to educate and promote proper road-use and law-abidance among the cyclists.
Chu thanked the law enforcing departments for their efforts in enforcing traffic laws. In 2014, the number of deaths by traffic accidents was 132, which is a 10.81% decrease from 2013. The mayor said that there is still room for improvement when comparing with other developed countries. Every major accident causes pain within families and the community. To prevent accidents, the city needs to enforce harsh laws on drinking and driving, speeding, running red lights, driving opposite to traffic flow, unlawful turns, not slowing down at intersections, and not yielding when necessary. Additionally, emphasis needs to be placed on education and raising awareness on topics such as accident types, locations, and times. Proper traffic education is the starting point to instilling proper driving concepts and traffic safety. The mayor also tasked related agencies to target accident-prone locations and carry out proper reconstruction to reduce accidents.
For more information: News Department, Li Yichen, Tel: 1999 (within city limits) or (02)2960-3456 ext. 6177