PUPILS cycling to and from secondary schools in Southend will get free bike lights as part of the council’s Be Safe, Be Seen campaign.

The road safety team is delivering “cat eye” bike lights to the 12 secondary schools in Southend to hand out to pupils who cycle to school.

Anna Waite, councillor responsible for transport, said: “We want to do everything we can to make sure our young people cycle safely.

“So we are giving the lights to about 800 pupils who cycle to school.

“It is essential those riding bikes are as visible as possible to other road users.”

She added the low maintenance lights should last throughout the winter.

“We have launched the Be Safe, Be Seen campaign to develop Southend’s status as a cycling town.

“We want to reward those youngsters who are cycling to school and encourage more to do so.”

However, Mrs Waite has added a note of warning.

“Our road safety team has also spotted a number of young people cycling without lights, which is highly dangerous and illegal.

“Offenders who do this face on-the-spot fines of £30 upwards.”

Southend has been chosen as one of the Government’s pilot cycling towns where people are encouraged to adopt a healthier lifestyle by cycling more.

Initiatives which are being adopted by the council include creating improved cycle tracks around the town.