Police are keen to encourage co-operation between all road users to ensure the safety of cyclists.

The campaign is set to run alongside National Bike Week between June 10-20.

Marian Scott, Tayside Police road safety supervisor, issued a stark warning to cyclists, saying they are putting their own lives at risk by ignoring stipulated safety measures.

She said, “Cyclists are not afforded the protection of being surrounded by steel and even a light knock can result in serious injury.

“We advise cyclists to wear high visibility clothing and reduce the risk of head injury by wearing an approved cycle helmet.

“They should also ensure their bike is road worthy and carries the required lights and reflectors.

“At night you must show a white front light and red rear one, plus a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors.

She continued, “A white front reflector and wheel reflectors are not required by law but they increase your chances of being seen.

“Wear reflective materials at night and fluorescent materials in the day.”

Kerry Noble, road safety officer for Central Division, reminded cyclists that, like drivers, they too must observe the laws governing the roads.

“Just because you are on a bike doesn’t mean you can ignore traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, one-way streets and other road signs.”

She said cyclists must never ride on footpaths unless there are signs permitting this.

Ms Noble warned drivers they also have a responsibility to ensure the safety of cyclists. “Drivers should be aware that every bend, tree or bush could be hiding a pedestrian or a cyclist and drivers should always assume that they are there,” she added.

Campaign awareness posters will be displayed in public places throughout Tayside.

* Jill Menzies, a second year graphic design student at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design won the competition to design the poster.