PARENTS in Warrington are being urged to check that their children are safe when cycling in the dark.
Cllr Russ Bowden, of Birchwood, has sounded the warning after seeing an increase in the number of youngsters riding 
without lights or even reflectors.
He said: “I have noticed a worrying trend amongst teenage cyclists who are cycling around in the dark without lights or reflectors. At recent meetings, other councillors have commented on the same experience.
“Parents should make sure bicycle lights and reflectors work and are kept clean. The law states you must have white front and red rear lights lit when you are cycling in the dark. A set of road legal lights can be purchased for less than £10 and it’s a small price to pay for the safety of your children.”
He said the Highway Code recommends cyclists wear light-coloured or fluorescent clothing, which helps people to see them in daylight and poor light. When it is dark they should wear reflective clothing and/or accessories – belt, arm or ankle bands.
Pictured: Cllr Bowden in cycling gear
Children who ride without lights
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About Author
Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
4 Comments
it is not only the parents of children who need reminding about this. some adults seem to think that dark clothing and no lights is fine for riding cycles on dark mornings. with this time of year bringing reduced visibility due to rain/snow/sleet it is difficult to see cyclist even with lights.
one other thing it is fine to wear a high visibility vest but remember that if you put a rucksack or carry bag on your bag then it defeats the purpose of the vest unless your bag had high visibility markings as well
My only criminal record is being caught riding two on a bike with no lights when I was about 11. We had to go to Arply Street to be shouted at by an inspector, the cops came round to my house (my dad also dished out some punishment too)…. I have been a model citizen ever since; so maybe the cops should be a bit more agressive towards cyclists instead of just targetting car drivers!!
I agree with sid and would add that runners need to heed this advice – help make cyclists and runners safer this winter by buying them some reflective gear be it clothing, reflectors, lights etc.
Couldn’t agree more with all comments – I would also add that if a teenager is out on their bike during the hours of darkness (school commutes excluded of course) then they are more than likely upto no good!