50 cyclists stopped by Oxford fire and police overnight

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue, Thames Valley Police and Brunel University teamed up to deliver an initiative in which cyclists without lights were stopped by officials. 

READ MORE: Anger over approval of cycling on Sheep Street, Bicester

The forces said they stopped about 50 people riding bikes without safety lights, but aimed to educate them instead of punish, and no penalty notices were given out. 

Usually, penalty fares of £50 are given to cyclists without lights who are riding at night. 

About 50 cyclists were stopped for biking without lights (Image: Oxfordshire fire and rescue service) The fire service said: "Instead, cyclists were given advice about the importance of being clearly visible to other road users.

"Their bikes were then fitted with a temporary set of lights to ensure they got home safely."

The initiative is part of the fire service's ongoing "be bright be seen" campaign to reduce cyclists putting themselves and others at risk. 

Earlier in the month, the fire and police services, University of Oxford and Oxfordshire County Council teamed up to deliver further safety lessons to bikers in the city. 

At the "Vision Zero" event in Broad Street on November 4, visitors explored stalls advertising safety information and equipment and were offered free bike lights and high-viz jackets to make them safer on the roads. 

The push has come shortly after Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber published a road safety strategy to reduce deaths on roads in the region. 

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