A PLAN to crack down on cyclists who ride on York’s pavements will be launched in the city this month.

Operation Shimmer is run by North Yorkshire Police with City of York Council, and aims to improve safety for cyclists and the public as the days and nights get darker.

Officers will be posted at locations around the city to stop and speak with cyclists who are causing a danger to themselves and others by cycling without lights, or on footpaths.

Inspector Andy Godfrey said this would be the first in a series of initiatives to keep cyclists and pedestrians safe on York’s streets.

He said: “We’re not spending oodles of money giving out great lights, they are temporary sets to get you home until you can invest in a decent set so you can be seen by other road users.

“It is about educating cyclists, but if people are failing to act or caught twice, they will be getting a ticket.

PCSO Chris Turner said: “The nights are getting much darker now, and it is really important that cyclists take their safety on the roads seriously. Having lights on your bike which are in good working order is essential to ensure that other road users can see you and drive accordingly.

“This operation has in the past been well-received by cyclists, pedestrians and motorists. Thanks to our joint work with City of York Council, cyclists who put themselves and others at risk can be educated and sent on their way, not just with a ticket or fine, but also with the means to get home safely if they are vulnerable.”

To try and help educate cyclists, the council has funded a number of high visibility rucksack covers and the small emergency cycle lights which will be handed out or offered to young or vulnerable people caught cycling without them, and who would otherwise have to walk home in the dark.

However, police officers will continue to issue penalty notices for cycling offences. A similar operation was run last year and saw 36 Traffic Offence Reports issued to cyclists without lights in a matter of hours. Cllr Ian Gillies said: “I urge all those who do cycle to forward-plan and ensure they have working lights they check regularly and bright clothing.”