North 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.

The police and the council’s road safety team are keen to get the message across to cyclists that they are putting their lives in danger by cycling in the dark without lights.

Sgt Ray Milligan, of North Yorkshire Police’s Cycle Response Team, said: “The nights are getting much darker now and it is really important that cyclists take their safety on the roads seriously.

“Having lights on your bike which are in good working order is essential to ensure that other road users can see you and make sure they make allowances for you.

“We have a number of lights available which City of York Council have provided, which we are giving out to people who need them to help them stay safe.

“The lights we have given out so far have been greatly appreciated by the recipients and the parents of young people we have given them to.”

North Yorkshire Police Officers will still be issuing tickets for cycling offences if it is felt necessary but the aim is to educate people and make them aware of the dangers of cycling in the dark without lights.

For more information about cycle safety visit www.northyorkshire.police.uk/cyclesafety

To sign up for City of York Council’s i-Pledge scheme, visit http://www.itravelyork,info/