POLICE have launched a campaign to reduce anti-social cycling.

The operation to educate and enforce will be rolled out across the Northwich community following an increase in complaints about bikes being ridden on pavements and bikes without lights.

Officers will be looking out for people committing cycling offences so they can offer advice about the rules of the road and enforce the law where necessary.

They will also work with Northwich’s schools to run road safety workshops for pupils.

PCSO Andy Taylor, from Northwich Neighbourhood Policing Unit (NPU), said: “The offences that the public may not be aware of include ignoring traffic signs, carrying more than one person on a bike and also ignoring a direction to stop from a police officer.”

Officers are also advising cyclists to make sure they have lights on their bikes and are wearing reflective clothing so they are as visible as possible to drivers and pedestrians.

The campaign is being launched in Weaverham after complaints from residents and the parish council.

Then it will be introduced across Northwich town centre and its surrounding areas.

Insp Paul Loughlin, from Northwich NPU, said: “Northwich Police are keen to work with our partners to ensure that all cycle users respect the highway code, stay safe and avoid behaviour which may harm themselves or others.

“We are committed to taking action against the minority who will not heed the warning and choose to ignore the law.”

Cyclists who are caught breaking the law could be fined up to £50.

Insp Loughlin said: “We hope that cyclists in Northwich will acknowledge the risks of dangerous cycling, the impact that this can have on our community and that we can work together to cycle safely over the winter months.”