Cyclists safety call (From Warrington Guardian)

Concerns over cyclists in town riding safely

10:18am Friday 14th October 2011 in Stockton Heath

CONCERNS over the number of cyclists in the town not riding their bikes safely has been raised by north west Labour Euro MP Brian Simpson.

The chairman of the European Parliament’s transport committee said at a road safety meeting in Brussels he was worried that too many cyclists are riding their bikes without lights or reflective clothing and that numbers were on the increase in Warrington.

He added that while more should be done to make other road users aware of people on bikes, cyclists also need to take measures for their own safety.

Mr Simpson said: “Maybe it is just a problem in my immediate area but the number of cyclists I see riding their bikes at night with no lights and dark clothing is frankly frightening.”

Cyclist organisations recommend reflective clothing, helmets and strong front and rear lights which will be particularly important as dark nights start to creep in.

Mr Simpson added: “The fact is that if you ride a bike at night without lights you are dicing with death and my observations in the Warrington area are that this problem is on the increase.

“What is needed is enforcement of the present laws and for those cyclists who do not have lights to live up to their responsibilities and get them fitted.”