A CYCLE safety campaign has been launched in Thirsk and Easingwold, as police urge cyclists to be safe and be seen.

Over the coming weeks, the Thirsk and Easingwold Neighbourhood Policing Team will be targeting the minority of cyclists who cause a danger to themselves and others by riding without lights and on footpaths.

Spot checks will be carried out in both towns, with officers issuing traffic offence reports for cycling offences if necessary.

PCSO Nigel Warby said: “Please ensure that if you are riding your bike in the dark mornings and evenings that you have adequate lighting so that you can be seen and be safe.

“In particular, parents whose children ride their bikes when it’s getting dark should ensure that they are equipped with bike lights and high-visibility clothing, so that they can be seen at all times by other road users. “I am also reminding cyclists to stay off footpaths, as this put pedestrians at risk and is an offence.”

The campaign in Thirsk and Easingwold follows a successful operation in York.