Night cycling

Hackney cyclists who ride without lights or high visibility clothing at night-time are facing a crackdown.

Sergeant Brian Gordon, from the Dalston Transport Hub Team, has warned of a “zero tolerance” approach this week to cycling offences as the dark nights descend.

He stressed the importance of cycling with the right equipment as the Gazette reiterates its Hackney Cycle Safe campaign.

The change in the clocks means many commuters are forced to travel both to and from work in the dark.

“Most cyclists do not realise quite how invisible they are, especially with the darkness coming around,” said Sgt Gordon. He reminded cyclists that using lights in the hours of darkness was a legal requirement – those who do not face a £30 on the spot fine.

“We also really, really stress the importance of high visibility clothing,” he said.

“With the darkness coming in, it is pertinent for us to think about cycling legislation and the different options that we have. It is first and foremost about safety.

“We are looking at taking a zero tolerance approach towards cycling offences as winter draws in.”

The Gazette has been running its Hackney Cycle Safe campaign since 28-year-old Dan Cox was fatally injured in a crash with a large goods truck at Dalston Junction in February. Hackney has more cyclists than any other London borough.

The council’s Bike Across the Borough project, which took more than 100 children to the Olympic Park, was shortlisted for a London Cycling Award this week.

To join the Gazette’s Hackney Cycle Safe campaign and sign our three pedal pledges encouraging all road users to take responsibility, go to www.hackneygazette.co.uk and click on the campaign logo.