The GBG reminded all cyclists that a front and rear light and a rear reflector is a legal requirement during the hours of darkness.
Failure to have lights can result not only in a police fine, but possibly a crash, injury, or worse.
Sam Field, GBG chairman, said some cyclists were letting the side down by not having lights.
‘It’s non-negotiable and it’s super frustrating when you see people riding around without lights. It’s dangerous to them. It’s dangerous to everybody else on the road.
‘It’s very much a minority. There’s a very distinct demographic that does it, it’s normally the same people we see cruising around every year without lights.
‘Probably the worst thing is when you see kids riding to and from school in the dark without lights, it’s shocking to see.’
Members of the Guernsey Bicycle Group tend to be all-weather cyclists and despite the cool weather remain convinced that two wheels are the best way to get around the island.
During the winter months Mr Field sports a high visibility reflective jacket and carries spare lights and batteries. He recommended checking up on friends’ bikes in case the need for lights has slipped their minds.
‘Ask your mates, check that they’ve got their lights, and if they haven’t then encourage them or help them to get a set because it’s suicide riding without them.
‘Any of the bike shops will sell you a good set of lights that will do the trick for you. Without lights you’re virtually invisible on the roads, especially the roads without any street lights.
‘So, not only are you risking messing up your own day, but you’re also risking someone else’s day.
‘Everyone has this pre-conceived idea that if they hit a bike that doesn’t have any lights on then they will automatically be at fault. That is not the case, if you hit a bike without lights there will of course be an investigation, but you’re not automatically at fault.’
Modern bike lights can be very bright so the GBG asked all riders to aim their lights carefully to avoid dazzling oncoming riders and drivers.
The basic message from Mr Field was that cyclists should treat other road users as they would like to be treated.
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