CYCLISTS are to be targeted by police officers - and could face fixed penality tickets.

Bike riders are being warned to use cycle lights and wear bright clothing during the winter.

If they do not then they could fall victim to a string of operations planned in a bid to curb the number of cyclists injured on roads across the area.

The advice has been dished out by Northern division's road policing unit after a number of complaints to police from motorists about cycle users not using lights and an increase in accidents.

Sergeant Paul Mason says: " We will enforce the legislation covering cyclists and this may involve the issuing of fixed penalty notices. Operations are planned in relation to this during the coming months".

"Our advice is simple. If you are riding your bike in the dark or in reduced daylight then make sure you have your lights on and wear high visibility clothing."

And he adds "We have seen an increase recently in the number of cyclists injured in road traffic collisions and this is not something we wish to continue."