YOUNG cyclists who think it is ‘cool’ to ride around at night without lights or reflectors on their bikes, have come under fire from the local crime prevention panel. Panel members are concerned about the increasing risk of young people being injured or even killed, while also creating traumatic situations for motorists.
Bridgnorth & District Crime Prevention Panel Neighbourhood Watch representative Malcolm MacIntyre-Read said there was a spreading belief amongst children and teenagers that the ‘thing to do’ was to not have lights and to remove reflectors already fitted to their bike.
““Such a lack of visibility at night, and even in the gloom of a winter afternoon, can mean that a driver is only aware of a cyclist when their vehicle is all too close to the cyclist,” he said. “We can all remember customising our own bikes as teenagers, but I have no recollection of choosing to deliberately put ourselves in danger.”
The panel believes parents and schools should ensure that children understand that their safety is of far greater importance than an image amongst friends. They are also acting illegally as The Highway Code states that a cycle must have white front and red rear lights, lit at night, and be fitted with a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors if manufactured after October 1 1985.
It also states that cyclists should wear a cycle helmet, appropriate light-coloured or fluorescent clothing, and reflective accessories.
“Cycling, as an enjoyable, healthy, non-polluting and cheap means of transport, is to be encouraged as much as possible,”said Mr MacIntyre-Read. “But to do so while deliberately courting a criminal record, life in a wheelchair, or even no life at all, cannot be defended by an “Am I bovvered?” culture.
“Rather, this seems an excellent time to start promoting the Barack Obama principle of self-responsibility.”