The Kincardine and Mearns Community Safety Group are to promote a new safety initiative to encourage cyclists to have and use lights in the darkness of the early morning and evenings. In particular newspaper boys and girls are being prioritised as an at risk group.

Kevin Hutchens, Chairperson of the Community Safety Group stated:

"I have recently noticed while driving through Aberdeenshire how common it is to see young cyclists who are failing to use lights when it is dark and consequently putting themselves at risk.The Kincardine and Mearns Community Safety Group have discussed this concern with Police Constable Sandra McKechnie in order to find a way to deal with this dangerous and unlawful practice. As a result a grant of £500 has been made to Grampian Police to give a prize for road safety to one bike rider at each of the newsagents in the area.This has been made as a result of moneys given by the Scottish Executive to deal with local priority areas including road safety,vandalism and substance abuse.

"It is our hope that by working together with Grampian Police improved safety standards in the basic need for cyclists to be seen and use lights can be encouraged"