POLICE were offering reflective gear to stay safe whilst cycling this winter.

A representative from the Safer Roads Partnership and from the University of Worcester were on Hylton Road in Worcester earlier today (Thursday) handing out visible clothing.

Cyclists wearing dark clothes or without lights were asked to stop and given a choice on whether to accept the bright coloured garments to increase their visibility to drivers.

Anna Higgins, communications manager at the Safer Roads Partnership said: "It is not about telling people off or issuing tickets, it is purely educational and to help more people to be more visible whilst cycling.

"At this time of year, the mornings are dark and we are coming up to the shortest day of the year so it is a good time to educate people.

"It varies how many people we normally speak to at each event, it can be anything from 10 to 30 or 40.

"When we have done this in Warwick, which we have been to a few times, we usually stop about 30 people but many more than that are already wearing visible clothing so it is making a difference.

"Near to the university is a good place to do an event like this, as every year there are new students so we are not talking to the same people again."

The police officers were stood next to Sabrina Bridge from 7.30am to 9am, and Ms Higgins believes this spot helped to see as many cyclists as possible.

She said: "The bridge is a well-used cycle route and we have the people going to and from the university to speak to."

The equipment being given out included rucksacks, flashing armbands, jackets, snap bands and lights and were also giving out security kits.

Across Warwickshire and West Mercia, the roads partnership normally has around 20 or 30 of these cycling educational days, but this is the first in Worcestershire this year.