Thursday update: Peterborough cyclists who are putting themselves at risk by not lighting up at night are being targeted by a new police operation.
The Be Safe, Be Seen campaign was launched by police on Monday (29 November) in an attempt to ensure Peterborough’s peddlers stay visible in the darker winter months.
Officers will also focus on motorists who drive with illegal tyres or obscured windscreens and lights during the month-long initiative.
A police spokeswoman said she was unable to say how many cyclists had been stopped or fined since the start of the operation but a Peterborough Telegraph photographer saw several cyclists being stopped and given £30 fines by officers in Bridge Street in the space of 30 minutes on Tuesday.
PC Neil Game said the campaign was timed to fit in with the clocks going back an hour last weekend.
He said: “The winter months pose more driving hazards for all road users and it is vital that people take sensible precautions to reduce the risk of being involved in a collision.
“Our message is simple – ‘be safe, be seen’ – whether you are a pedestrian, cyclist or motorist, everyone has a part to play.
“During our month of action we will be targeting those flouting the laws in relation to visibility and vehicles defects that could put themselves and others at risk.”
Clair George, from the SaferPeterborough Partnership, added: “All road users are at risk of not being seen as the dark nights draw in, but particularly young people and other vulnerable road users.
“Last year 53 cyclists and 38 pedestrians were injured on Peterborough roads during the winter months. People are often hurt in crashes simply because they are not easily visible.”
Keeping safe
It is against the law for cyclists to ride at night without a front light, a red rear light and a red rear reflector. Cyclists should also wear hi-vis clothing.
Motorists should ensure their tyres are at the right pressure and tread depth, their lights work and are unobscured and windscreen is clear.
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