CYCLISTS in Worcester were given early Christmas presents this morning as part of the Be Safe Be Seen campaign.

Free high-visibility vests and rucksack covers, flashing armbands and silicone lights were dished out to two-wheel commuters by police officers and staff from the Safer Roads Partnership.

The initiative, which engaged 40 cyclists on the A38 The Tything today between 6.30am and 9am, aims to prevent accidents by raising awareness of the importance of high visibility equipment.

PC Paul Slaymaker, of the Arboretum and Claines safer neighbourhood team, who was at the operation, said: “Our main aim is to reduce road traffic casualties.

“Anything we can do to help make cyclists safer and to make them more visible on the roads is very important.

“The lights and extra pieces of kit we are handing out will make them that little bit safer.”

One female cyclist stopped during the initiative, who asked not to be named, labelled the scheme as “brilliant”.

She said: “It is fantastic, I love it. It is like Christmas has come early.

“I thought I was as visible as possible with my current kit, but with the new gear I am definitely more visible now.

“It amazes me when I see people without lights or high-vis jackets so a scheme like this is definitely needed.”

Another cyclist, a male who pedals to work every morning, added: “This initiative is uplifting.

“The roads don’t cater for cyclists as much as they could and we don’t look after cyclists enough, which puts some people off.

“The extra equipment will certainly help keep me safe.”

Police officers will be distributing the gear and advising cyclists in Worcester again on Friday (December 5) in Cotswold Way, Warndon.

Several events have also been held across the region including in Stratford, Leamington Spa, Hereford and Bewdley.

Anna Higgins, communications manager at the Safer Roads Partnership, which is running the scheme, added: "Our Be Safe Be Seen cycle safety initiatives are a proactive way of raising awareness about the need for cyclists - and all road users - to make themselves visible on the roads.

"This is particularly important at this time of year when the darker mornings and evenings are upon us.

"Alongside uniformed police officers, we stopped and spoke to 40 cyclists this morning who weren't visible enough on the roads – with dark clothing or no lights on their bike - and gave them safety advice and high-vis cycling products to help keep them safe on the roads."