BIKE safety campaigners have warned that cyclists are risking their lives, after an Oxford Mail survey found more than half of them were riding without lights.

We found more than 280 cyclists – 58 per cent – didn’t have lights at either the front or back of their bikes. A total of 205 cyclists – or just over 42 per cent – had the correct lights.

In just over an hour, between 7.08am and 8.20am, our reporters outside the Mini plant in Cowley and the train station in Oxford clocked just 65 cyclists with high-visibility clothing on.

Out of a total of 487 cyclists, just 93 had both the correct lights and were wearing the recommended bright clothing.

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With the clocks going back an hour tomorrow, many have said people need to be more aware than ever that, as well as breaking the law they, could be in danger.

Elle Smith, director of cycling workshop Broken Spoke Bike Co-op in Pembroke Street, said people could pay with their lives if they do not take safety seriously.

She said: “It totally can be a matter of life and death.

“You are a vulnerable road user as a cyclist and you have to do everything you can to protect yourself.

“It can be a hostile environment so being seen by other road users is essential.

“Having lights on your bike is really important in the city.

“The most important thing is that you have at least basic lights so that you are visible.”

Thames Valley Police handed out 352 fines to cyclists who did not have front and rear lights on their bikes in the last year, and 358 the previous year.

Cyclists can avoid the £50 fixed penalty ticket if they buy a set of lights and bring the receipt to a police station.

Eynsham mum-of-two Nicci Saunders lost her partner Joe Wilkins, a part-time firefighter, in 2012 when he was hit by a car and killed while cycling on Eaton Road, near Appleton.

Paul Brown, 30, of Oxford Road, Eynsham, was convicted of causing death by careless driving in September 2013.

Ms Saunders, who is now an ambassador for road safety charity Brake, said: “I do not understand why people would not put lights on their bikes.

“It is just common sense that if cars have lights on then bikes need lights on as well. People are still under the impression that it will not happen to them and that is the biggest issue. It would be great if the police would do more but they do not have the time or the resources. People need to do it themselves and be aware.”

Oxford City Council board member for transport John Tanner said: “I would urge everyone to take their lights with them because this is the time of year when you can get caught out.

“The nights come in early and you are faced with walking home wheeling the bike or riding home without lights.

“A collision between a bike and a car can scratch the car and maim the cyclist, so it is all about making sure you can be seen.

“Wearing reflective high-visibility clothing and wearing a helmet is good too.”

Cyclists’ group Cyclox’s chairman Simon Hunt said: “Having front and rear lights is absolutely essential for safety.

“There is no excuse not to have them. You can get a set for under £10 and everybody who has a bike needs to have them. You also need to put them on and use them.

“Often I see cyclists with the lights but they are not being used.

“It is a law that absolutely needs to be enforced.”

 

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