Cut-price bike lights offered to Bournemouth cyclists

– first come first served!

Subsidised bike lights will be dished out to cyclists at a special cycle safety event in Bournemouth on Thursday, 25 February 2010, thanks to an idea from a police officer and a local councillor.

Between 7pm and 8pm at The Shack Youth Club in Muscliff, cut-price bike lights will be given out to the first 50 people who turn up. The bike lights, which are normally worth £15-£20, will be able to be purchased for just £5 and will be professionally fitted by Charminster-based bike specialists On Yer Bike.

The aim of the event is to encourage more cyclists to equip their bikes with lights, especially at this time of year, when the evenings are shorter and it is more difficult to remain visible when cycling.

The idea was thought up by Sergeant Steve Houston, of the Throop and Muscliff Safer Neighbourhood Team, and Councillor Anne Rey, from the Throop and Muscliff ward and supported by Councillor Derek Borthwick and Councillor Ron Whittaker, after dangerous cycling was highlighted as a continuing issue across the area.

At the event, Safer Neighbourhood Officers will also be giving advice on how residents can stay safe while cycling and ‘On Yer Bike’ specialists will be on-hand advising on and selling the latest cycle safety equipment, including locks, helmets and lights, at a reduced price.

If visitors bring their bike, they will also receive a free bike safety check from On Yer Bike.

All of the money raised on the night will be donated to the Bournemouth Lions Charity.

Sergeant Houston said: “Cycling without lights is an issue in the area and we really want to do something about it.

“It’s not just the cyclist we are concerned about, but also those drivers who have to live with the consequences of maybe knocking down a cyclist who is not easily seen.

“Sufficient bike equipment can mean ‘if you stay safe – you can stay alive’.

“We know that people are finding it hard in these difficult financial times, so by offering cut price lights – no one has an excuse not to have sufficient lighting on their bicycle.”

The reduced price bicycle lights have been funded by Throop and Muscliff ward councillors, Anne Rey, Ron Whittaker and Derek Borthwick.

To find out more about your local Safer Neighbourhood Team call Dorset Police on 01202 222222 or 01305 222222, or visit www.dorset.police.uk