ADULTS cycling without lights can expect a £50 penalty ticket but children will be handed free lights under a scheme being launched today.

Dorset Road Safe’s No Excuse team is launching a Bike Lights initiative to coincide with the darker nights.

Children and young people will be be warned about the dangers of riding without lights but then issued with free lights, reflective snap bands and a fluorescent bag.

Adults can expect a £50 fixed penalty notice and a defect notice. If they take their cycle to a police station within seven days to show lights have been fitted correctly, the ticket will be cancelled.

Inspector Matt Butler, of Dorset Police Traffic Unit, said: “Cyclists are a vulnerable road user group and this initiative aims to reduce the risk of harm posed to them, making sure cyclists can be seen.”