British Summer Time comes to an end this weekend, meaning that for most of us it will be completely dark before we set out on the evening cycle commute, if this wasn’t the case already.

Pre-empting any cyclists getting caught out by the reduction in daylight, police in the City of London will be handing out lights rather than fines to any riders lacking illumination on Monday October 31 and Tuesday November 1.

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For most riders nowadays lights are a permanent feature on their bikes as it is often necessary to have some level of illumination even during daylight hours. Low cloud, heavy rain, mist or low sun are all times that lights should be used.

But not everyone is this prepared, and that’s where the City Police’s scheme will be beneficial.

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The Road Danger Reduction Partnership (City of London Corporation, City Police, London Fire Brigade, GLA and TfL) says its aim is to protect cycle commuters, and as such it is giving out cycle lights to better help riders be seen by other road users.

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Outside of this two day campaign window, the force will be issuing penalty notices to cyclists without lights as standard procedure. However, riders wishing to escape the fine can attend one of the monthly cycling safety lectures which run as part of Operation Atrium.

How to ride safely at night

Chief Inspector McKoy said: “As the clocks change and nights draw in, it is imperative that cyclists are seen at night.

“I would encourage all cyclists to come along on Monday 31 October and Tuesday 1 November.”

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Chris Hayward, Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation said: “The City of London Corporation is working hard to improve the safety of cycle commuters in the Square Mile.”

With any luck, this sentiment from the chairman will lead to an increase in safe cycling infrastructure within the City of London, continuing the work seen elsewhere in the capital.

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Officers and PCSOs will be on on the Cycle Superhighway near Blackfriars Bridgebetween 16:30 and 18:30 on Monday October 31.

The City of London Cadet Unit will then be handing out lights between 17:00 and 21:00 on Tuesday November 1 near to the junction of Moorgate and Ropemaker Street.