Nearly 40 cyclists have been given fixed penalty tickets in Brighton and Hove in one week as part of a police campaign to make the roads safer.
The fortnight-long Brighten Up Brighton and Hove campaign ended last Friday (5 November) after police and council officers stopped 350 cyclists in the area.
In the first week cyclists were reminded about the law and bike lights.
They were given vouchers to claim a free set of bike lights and other high-visibility accessories.
In the second week police issued 39 fixed penalty notices of £30 each which compares with 116 issued last year when the same campaign was being run.
Sussex Police said: “Cyclists should be warned that the fines are set to continue but without the sweetener of the free lights and accessories to soften the blow.
“The law requires cycles to have a front and rear light and a rear reflector if used when it’s dark.
“Already this year 145 cyclists have been injured in the city, sadly up on the 117 injured during the same period last year.
“Poor visibility played a role in many of these incidents and is likely to continue as a significant contributory factor now that the dark evenings are closing in.”
Sergeant Paul Wood, from the Brighton and Hove Road Policing Unit, said: “This has been a very successful campaign with over 350 cyclists being stopped and dealt with.
“It is still very disappointing to see such large numbers of cyclists putting themselves and other road users at risk.
“The cyclists need to understand that it is for their benefit as well as complying with the law.
“If you can’t see or be seen you are more likely to be involved in a collision and we will continue to target those cyclists who commit offences on the roads of Brighton and Hove.
“Share the roads. Share the reponsibility.”
