WOODBRIDGE Police are extending their 'Lights Save Lives' cycle campaign until the end of January in a bid to ensure more bike riders get the lighting up message.
WOODBRIDGE Police are extending their 'Lights Save Lives' cycle campaign until the end of January in a bid to ensure more bike riders get the lighting up message.
Originally planned to run from Friday, December 20 to last Friday the seasonal drive to ensure cyclists have lights on their bikes during the dark winter months aims to prevent serious accidents and to educate the public in cycle safety and to catch those committing cycle related offences.
Police have now decided to extend the campaign to try to reach as many people as possible – and this gives more young cyclists the chance to be entered in a free prize draw to win one of two new bikes too.
Officers will be stopping cyclists and completing one of two forms, one for those people who are cycling without lights, and one for those with lights.
Youngsters stopped who have lights on their cycles will be entered into the draw to win one of two new Orbea bikes.
The offer of prizes has been made possible thanks to sponsorship from the Guild of Experienced Motorists and support from Pedal Power at Martlesham Heath, Woodbridge Crime Prevention Panel and Suffolk County Council Road Safety Officers.
Letters have been sent to newsagents and schools urging them to talk to young cyclists, who may be out on their bikes during dark mornings and evenings, about the dangers of not having lights on their bikes. The letter asks all cyclists to check their front and rear lights work effectively and advocates the use of reflectors and fluorescent and reflective clothing to increase visibility.
PC Karl Howard, who is running the campaign, said Community Police Officers would check cycles, give advice, and take action where appropriate.
"Cyclists without lights pose a significant danger both to themselves and to other motorists and pedestrians. This campaign is all about the safety of pedal cyclists – if we can prevent one injury accident then it will have been worth it."
For more details on the Guild of Experienced Motorists visit www.roadsafety.org.uk for Pedal Power see www.ppower.co.uk and you can visit the Suffolk Police site at www.suffolk.police.uk
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