Published: October 30, 2008
Night time cycle safety in the spotlight in Burnham-On-Sea

Police in Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge are this week launching a campaign to promote road safety to cyclists in the town.

Operation Glitter is aimed at reducing the amount of serious road traffic collisions which happen when bicycles are not properly lit.

As part of the scheme, cyclists found without lights on their bikes will being given a fixed penalty notice (FPN) and a 'Glitter pack' containing a 10% discount voucher for bicycle lights from local firms Skid Marx in Highbridge and Cheddar Auto Parts.

If the recipients of the FPN then purchase bicycle lights and provide the receipt at Burnham or Cheddar Police Station within seven days the ticket will be written off.

PCSO Pearl Hine, pictured, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "At this time of year, people often go out in the dark each morning and come home in the dark at night – meaning it is essential they have proper bicycle lighting."

"It is not just children riding their bicycles to and from school, but adults who ride to work as well."

"Operation Glitter focuses on educating cyclists on their safety and the safety of others, but it is optional to participate - if offenders choose not to take part, then they will be prosecuted."

"Last year, 86 people were identified as cycling without appropriate lighting, 79 of which elected to participate in the scheme. Only seven chose not to."

"I have seen many incidents where people have suffered injuries in collisions because they cannot be seen on our roads. If people are not properly lit they are taking their lives in their own hands."

"For around £15 you can get a decent set of lights – half the cost of a fixed penalty notice – so we would ask people to think about their own and their children's safety."

She added that the Glitter packs also include leaflets advising on security marking and cycle maintenance.