ALMOST 40 cyclists were stopped by police in a crackdown on cycling offences in York this week.

North Yorkshire Police officers, PCSOs and volunteer Special Constables took part in special patrols around Bootham, Micklegate and Walmgate bars on Monday night to keep cyclists and other road users safe.

Officers issued 36 Traffic Offence Reports to cyclists, mainly to those who did not have lights on the bikes. Emergency cycle lights and high-visibility rucksack covers were issued to some of the cyclists to ensure they could finish their journeys safely.

The initiative was funded by City of York Council, as part of a cycle safety campaign similar to one which ran for the first time last year.

Inspector Lee Pointon, of York Police, said: "The operation was really well received, with many pedestrians stopping to make positive comments about the proactive campaign.

"We will undertake further operations over the next few weeks, ensuring that we continue to have a direct and positive effect on the safety of people in the city."

Anyone with concerns or questions about safe cycling should go to northyorkshire.police.uk/cyclesafety for police videos and advice on cycling safely.