GET off the pavements and get some lights – that's the double message to cyclists in Felixstowe from the town's police.They have launched a five-week campaign to crackdown on people on bikes who are causing danger to themselves, pedestrians and motorists through their illegal behaviour and lack of illumination.

By Richard Cornwell

GET off the pavements and get some lights – that's the double message to cyclists in Felixstowe from the town's police.

They have launched a five-week campaign to crackdown on people on bikes who are causing danger to themselves, pedestrians and motorists through their illegal behaviour and lack of illumination.

Officers will be handing out fixed penalty tickets to cyclists and are particularly targeting youngsters flouting the law.

Pc Kevin Clark said people without lights and riding on paths were the twin biggest concerns of the people of Felixstowe, as reflected by the number of complaints the activities consistently generated at police forum meetings.

"When cyclists ride on pavements they do so not only quickly but very quietly and this can cause surprise and danger to people, especially the elderly," he said.

"It's not just in side streets and estates this is happening, but up and down Hamilton Road in the town centre.

"Riding without lights is also dangerous to both the cyclist, who needs to be seen, and for other road users who need to see them."

Pc Clark said people over 16 found without lights during the campaign would be stopped and given a warning the first time, and the next time they were caught a fixed penalty ticket would be issued.

Those under 16 would have a letter sent to their parents on the first occasion and the second time would be prosecuted and brought to court.

Sets of lights – such as those loaned by Alford Brothers for the launch of the campaign – could be bought from local shops for less than £10.

Police have already visited SJS News in Hamilton Road, the newsagents with the town's largest newspaper delivery service, to speak to paper boys and girls and the management has agreed to help with the campaign. Head teachers have also been asked to speak to pupils about it.

In a similar campaign last year 95 people were stopped and given warning notices for not having lights on their bike. Twenty warning letters were sent to parents.