Dangerous cyclists warned to stay safe and legal..!

DID you know that it is illegal to cycle on a public road after dark without lights and reflectors, no matter what age you are? Also did you know that exactly which lights and reflectors, where to fit them and when to light up, is defined by the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations (RVLR)?

How many times do you hear a cyclist saying:- "the roads are dangerous for cyclists" and also "the laws that apply to cars do not apply to cyclists." But following on after a cyclist being jailed in September 2017, after knocking over and killing a woman as he sped through East London, on a bike, it should be clear, all that Cyclist must comply with the This Highway Code. Sadly this apparently has not had any impact on the growing numbers of pedal cyclists, who think the laws do not apply to them.

This week, as we run up to Christmas, some of us might be thinking of getting a new bike, but cyclists in Southport have been urged to keep themselves and others safe at night. They are also being advised by the Police to brush up on the Highway Code.

1 of the biggest problems with cyclists is at night. Lights and reflectors are required on a pedal cycle only between sunset and sunrise in the UK, despite what many appear to think is the case.

Even more shocking are those who are well aware of the risks and still go on to take them, by not having any attached, or just not using them!

The advice comes after Police in Southport received complaints from the public about some cyclists not being visible enough on the roads and others riding on the pavement.

Officers are also highlighting to motorists in these areas the need to be aware other road users such as cyclists and motorbikers, especially during the dark mornings and afternoons and icy conditions.

Police are also ask that motorists, cyclists and motorbikers to apply the Highway Code; observing:- 'Stop' and 'Give Way' signs and traffic lights.

Community Inspector Graham Fisher said:- "As the Christmas period is approaching and many people are buying new bikes for Christmas I would ask that everyone takes a few moments to consider bike safety and security. Wearing light coloured or reflective clothing and putting good quality lights, on both the front and back of your bike, not only increases your visibility and the safety of you and others, it is the law. If caught without lights and reflectors by Police, offenders face receiving a fine."

Inspector Fisher added:- "We believe some of those reported to be cycling without lights may be responsible for anti social behaviour in the Town. A 48 hour dispersal zone was in place in Southport Town Centre, from Friday night to Sunday night, following recent reports of anti social behaviour. The zone gave our Officers powers to direct people involved in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage out of the zone. In addition, extra Officers patrolled Kings Gardens, where there have been reports of groups congregating, causing nuisance and damage. These issues will of course be closely monitored and further dispersals will be authorised if appropriate. I welcome the information provided to us so far from the local community, and we will continue to respond to their concerns, to allow us to focus our resources on the right areas. Members of the community with any further information are encouraged to speak with Officers in the area, their dedicated Neighbourhood Team on:- 0151 777 3442, or via calling:- 101. Anyone with information who does not wish to speak with us directly can call Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111."

Shockingly most cyclists in the Southport area, who have been spotted without lights, when asked, do not know that it is against the law to ride without lights at night!

Helpful information when getting your lights and reflectors, these are the minimum requirements:-

► Front Lamp must be marked as conforming to BS6102/3 or an equivalent EC standard. If capable of emitting only a flashing light, it must emit at least 4 candelas.

► Rear Lamp must be marked as conforming to BS3648, or BS6102/3, or an equivalent EC standard. If capable of emitting only a flashing light, it must emit at least 4 candelas.

► 1 rear reflector is required, coloured red, marked BS6102/2 (or equivalent)

► 4 pedal reflectors are required:- coloured amber, marked BS6102/2 (or equivalent), and positioned so that 1 is plainly visible to the front and the another is visible to the rear of each pedal.

► When they are required, the lights and reflectors listed below must be clean and working properly.

Its also worth noting that both lights and reflectors are not required when the cycle is stationary or being pushed along the roadside.

It is not a legal requirement at the moment, but  The Highway Code merely suggests that cyclists:- 'should be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians.'  So when getting a new bike, it might be a good idea to get a bell fitted as well...

Here at Southport and Mersey Reporter, we will be doing a special campaign to highlight this, in the run up to Christmas.

We would like to know your ideas as to how we can do this... Please email us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.com.  We are also running a few questions about Cycling on our Twitter account page and on our Facebook Page.  Please do join in and let us, and our other readers  know your views and thoughts.