Kid-safe cycling saves lives
By Chen Qide (China Daily)
Updated: 2004-09-28 02:24

Police in Shanghai Monday called on kids to pay attention to road safety when they are riding their bicycles and not be influenced by China's first-ever Formula One Grand Prix.

"It is a timely reminder to all cyclists, especially for young students to exercise caution when on the road," said Liu Longguan, a traffic officer with the local police bureau.

"Every child should strengthen their self-safety and self protection measures."

He told the children who attended a campaign launched by FedEx to educate young cyclists about road safety and traffic rules.ed

"The death rate caused by traffic accidents is rising, and becoming a greater threat to children's lives," said Eddy Chan, president of FedEx China.

The Ministry of Health statistics show that for every 10,000 children in the city aged 10 to 14, 3.12 of them are killed by traffic accidents.

In the countryside, the headcount is lower, at 2.84 children.

"Clearly, children living in the city are exposed to greater risks because of heavier traffic flows," said Chan.

In China's largest metropolis, Shanghai, road accidents have become the No 3 killer for children under 14 years old, he said.

"For middle and primary school students, road accidents are the primary cause of death," said Liu.

In middle and high schools in Shanghai, almost half the students cycle to school everyday, said the survey.

According to the survey conducted by Safe Kids Worldwide, about 37 per cent of young cyclists had no education on cycling safety before they started riding.

And 30 per cent of them said they had carried a passenger on their bikes, while 30 per cent had attempted to beat red lights, the survey said.

The survey said 30 per cent of the young cyclists had been involved in a road accident and 50 per cent said they did not think it is necessary to wear safety helmets.

"These compelling reasons led FedEx China and Safe Kids Worldwide China to recognize the importance of educating young cyclists on road safety," said Chan.

The campaign which was supported by local police aims to convey these messages, targeting middle school students aged 13 and above -- those who become legally eligible to ride bicycles on the road.

With endorsement from the Shanghai Traffic and Patrol Administration affiliated to Shanghai Public Security Bureau, the sponsors developed "top 10 tips for cyclists" to outline basic self-checks and practices that a cyclist should follow before getting on the road.

The tips will teach kids to follow rules when riding such as "Check brakes before riding and Do not beat red lights."

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