36 cyclists fall foul of police lights checks

A clampdown on people cycling without lights in York has been hailed a success.
Incident - Cycle

Police officers and PCSOs, supported by volunteer Special Constables, took part in an operation at Bootham, Micklegate and Walmgate bars last night, aimed at keeping cyclists and other road users safe.

The vast majority of cyclists seen by officers were correctly and safely using lights. However, 36 Traffic Offence Reports were issued to cyclists who didn’t have lights on their bikes

A number of sets of emergency cycle lights and high-visibility rucksack covers were issued to some people who didn’t have lights, to enable them to carry on their journey safely – for example, to young people who would otherwise have had to walk a long distance home.

The lights and rucksack covers have been funded by City of York Council – part of a cycle safety campaign that ran for the first time last year.

Inspector Lee Pointon, of York Police, said: “The operation was really well received, with many pedestrians stopping to make positive comments about the proactive campaign.

“We will undertake further operations over the next few weeks, ensuring that we continue to have a direct and positive effect on the safety of people in the city.”

Cyclists are urged to visit www.northyorkshire.police.uk/cyclesafety for police videos and advice on cycling safely.

York Police to clamp down on cyclists without lights

Bike lights

City of York Council and North Yorkshire Police have joined forces to relaunch a successful scheme aimed at keeping cyclists safe this winter.

 As the nights draw in, officers will be targeting cyclists in York who cause a danger to themselves and others by cycling without lights during hours of darkness in the morning and evening.

City of York Council has funded high-visibility rucksack covers and small sets of emergency cycle lights, which will be offered to cyclists who are stopped by North Yorkshire Police.

Not everyone stopped by officers will be entitled to the lights – they will be handed to young people and other vulnerable people who would otherwise have to walk home if they were forced to continue their journey without lights. Officers will continue to issue tickets for cycling offences if necessary.

 

The campaign ran for the first time last year, and was well-received by cyclists and parents of young people who received the lights and reflective covers.

 

Free cycle lights scheme launched in York

cycle lightsNorth Yorkshire Police and City of York Council have joined forces to help keep cyclists safe this winter.

During the dark nights, North Yorkshire Police’s Cycle Response Team are handing out free LED cycle lights to people who they stop riding without them while out on patrol.

Officers are giving the lights, which have been supplied by City Of York Council’s Road Safety Team, to people cycling alone to help keep them safe.

Not everyone officers stop will be entitled to the cycle lights. They will be given to youngsters or other vulnerable people who would otherwise have to walk home if they were forced to continue their journey without lights.

Officers are also giving out reflective back pack covers.
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