MORE than 100 people have been stopped by police and given advice on using lights when riding their bikes at night.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the Dorset Road Safe No Excuse team launched a targeted operation last month aimed at reducing the number of cycling casualties on the county’s roads.

Teams of officers targeted areas across Dorset and stopped cyclists found riding without lights. The Echo joined them on one patrol around Bournemouth.

Operations took place in Broadstone, Kinson, Upton, Parkstone, Oakdale, Southbourne, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Weymouth and Dorchester.

A total of 73 children and young people were issued with a warning on the consequences of riding in the dark without lights and high visibility clothing.

Traffic officers then fitted their bikes with a free set of lights and gave the rider a No Excuse reflective snap band and florescent bag.

Some were also issued with an information letter to hand to their parents or guardians.

A total of 41 adults were caught riding without lights and were issued with a £50 Fixed Penalty Notice and a Defect Notice.

The riders were told they could take their cycle to a police station within seven days to prove lights had been fitted and their ticket would be cancelled.

A total of 18 adults took that option.

Inspector Matt Butler, of Dorset Police’s Traffic Unit, said: “The bike lights initiative has proved successful in Dorset by helping to spread the message about the dangers of cycling in the dark without lights.

“The majority of young people realised they should have lights once they were reminded and all thanked the officers for their lights, florescent kit and information leaflet.

“More young people now have the tools they need to ride safely around the county.

“I would like to remind all cyclists they should wear a helmet, light coloured or fluorescent clothing in daylight and reflective clothing with bike lights in the dark. This will make sure that they are seen by other road users.”

Further Bike Lights initiatives are due to take place in Winton, Christchurch and Bridport and other parts of the county until April 2014.