NIGHTS are darker earlier and I am astonished at the number of irresponsible people riding cycles with either inadequate or insufficient lighting - quite often not even a reflector - while wearing dark clothing.

Then there are those who cycle without lights at all and think they then have the right to ride on pavements and endanger pedestrians as well as road users. One example is when a cyclist rides off a dark footpath and crosses a road junction at a sideways angle.

What is the law in this situation? Are cyclists committing an offence by riding on roads without adequate illumination, and riding on footpaths?

This should be a fineable offence which should be enforced.

I want to know who is legally responsible if a driver of a properly-lit car collides with and injures a cyclist who is on the road without lights. No doubt it would involve legal costs and trauma for both parties.

It is time for the police to mount a campaign about this matter to remind road users they need adequate lighting at the front and back of their bikes.

Frances Owen,

Ouse Lea,

Shipton Road, York.

Updated: 11:02 Thursday, December 11, 2003