Trial awaits for cyclist ex-officer's car struck
A top cycling activist who was hit by a car driven by a former assistant police commissioner will appear in Kwun Tong Court tomorrow to face charges of careless cycling and not having a bike bell.
The incident happened shortly before 7pm on August 31 last year in front of the Cheung Kong Center in Central, near where Garden Road meets the Queensway.
It is understood that former assistant commissioner of police Spencer Foo Tsun-kong was driving the car when it collided with Martin Turner's bicycle while Turner was on his bike and waiting at a set of traffic lights in front of Foo's car.
Turner, 50, was knocked to the ground and taken to Queen Mary Hospital where he was treated for bruises, cuts and tendon damage.
His bike was crushed under Foo's vehicle.
Turner, a marketing consultant, is the chairman of the Cycling Alliance - a position he has held since 2006. He has been at the forefront of several campaigns lobbying the government to improve its policies on cycling as a means of transport rather than simply a recreational activity.
Originally from Britain, Turner has lived in Hong Kong since 1984 and has been cycling on the city's roads for about a decade. He also organises the annual Ride of Silence held every May to commemorate cyclists who have died on the roads.
Turner has trained police on cycling safety issues.
Foo joined the force in 1967 when he was 20 and retired in 2005 after 37 years of service. His last position was as director of personnel and training. He worked in a range of posts, including crime investigation and training, and was also assistant commissioner of operations. His decorations include the Queen's Police Medal and the bronze Bauhinia Star for distinguished service.
Tim Parker from law firm Vidler & Co is representing Turner, while senior counsel Christopher Grounds will act for the prosecution.
2,500
The number of traffic accidents involving bicycles recorded in Hong Kong last year, up 23 per cent from 2010
