City Cyclists' Roadshow to take place

Published: 24 November 2009

'Light up if you want to be safe on the roads'. That's the message being given to the capital's cyclists by City of London Police, at a City Cyclists' Roadshow being staged at St Paul's Cathedral precinct on Thursday 26 November 2009.

The roadshow is part of a November campaign to encourage riders to make sure their lights are working. It will take place between 1pm and 6pm.

The darker winter nights mean that more and more commuters will be cycling home in the dark, and bright, working lights are not only a legal requirement, but are crucial for road safety.

In 2008, 28 cyclists were injured in collisions in the City between October and December.

Increased patrols since 16 November have been targeting cyclists without working lights on the front and the rear of their bike, issuing fixed penalties of £30. But cyclists who bring along their bike to the roadshow and demonstrate they have rectified the problem will have that fine rescinded.

City of London Police is working in partnership with the Metropolitan Police Service on the campaign, and tickets issued in Southwark and Islington during the campaign can also be rescinded.

The St Paul's event will also see the launch of a poster campaign to remind cyclists of the importance of obeying traffic signals. The posters have been designed by children at the Lyceum school on Paul Street – an idea suggested by one of the children's parents, who lives in the Barbican estate.

Two posters have been chosen to be displayed on junctions in the City, designed by Lola Rose Wood, aged 9, and Isla Mackintosh, aged 8.
Insp Dave Aspinall, head of the force's Roads Policing Unit, said:
"When one of our residents suggested that children design posters to remind cyclists to ride safely we thought it was an excellent idea. The children have done a great job, and I am sure these posters will make cyclists think twice about running through red lights or not stopping at pedestrian crossings.

"The posters are officially launched at the St Paul's roadshow, which we hope will bring the City's cycling community together. We'll be offering tips on safe riding, info on keeping your bike secure, and there will be expert advice on cycle maintenance. We're also bringing along several HGVs, so cyclists can get a 'lorry-driver's view' of life on the roads, so they can be a bit more aware of the trucks' blindspots."

Chief Insp Graham Horwood, from the Metropolitan Police Service's Traffic Unit, said:
"Having your ticket cancelled is a great incentive for cyclists to come along to this event but everyone is welcome. Far too often cyclists are killed or seriously injured in collisions with trucks. The frustrating and tragic thing is that they can be prevented through awareness on the part of both cyclists and HGV drivers. If you cycle or drive a large vehicle do come and join us."