A safety campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of cycling without lights and on pavements is currently underway in the Beccles Neighbourhood.

Riding on pavements and cycling without lights can pose significant hazards and the campaign, which is running from the start of December through until the end of January, aims to ensure cyclists are aware of the issues primarily for their own safety but also for the safety of pedestrians and other road users.

The campaign will also address the need for cycle security, encouraging cyclists to lock their bikes to something secure when leaving them unattended, in a bid to prevent unnecessary thefts.

Beccles Neighbourhood Inspector Stuart Grimsey says he hopes the campaign will help make cycling safer and address pedal cycle theft.

“Officers on patrol are being asked to stop and speak to cyclists of all ages who are cycling at night with no lights. Police have a number of means of dealing with offences, depending on whether an individual has been stopped before and their age, but this could include a letter to parents, a fixed penalty notice or, for persistent offenders, prosecution through the courts.

“We will also be taking the opportunity to pass on crime reduction advice, including asking riders to ensure they have postcoded their bikes. This will tie in with our visits to local schools in January where we will be postcode marking bikes and mobile phones.

“We are asking all cyclists, and parents of young riders, to ensure they have lights on their bikes and to always remember to lock up their cycles, even if leaving them unattended in their garden.”

As part of the campaign cycle locks will also be given away at selected events, subject to availability.