A KEIGHLEY councillor issued an urgent plea for young cyclists in the town to light themselves up before one of them is badly injured or killed.

Councillor Barry Thorne, of Keighley Town Council's Bracken Bank and Ingrow ward, said he has repeatedly tried to advise younger bike riders to make themselves visible after dark, only to be "given cheek" in return.

He said the fact these youngsters don't take it seriously should be a matter of concern for their parents.

Cllr Thorne said this has been an issue every winter for years. He added it happens all over Keighley, though he most commonly witnesses the problem close to where he lives in Bracken Bank.

"Most of these kids are aged about 12 to 16," he said. "It's great they're out on bikes – that's really good – but what's not so good is that they can't be seen properly after dark.

"I stick to the speed limit, but not every motorist does and I think sooner or later one of these cyclists is going to be badly hurt in Keighley.

"I want the kids to be safe and to enjoy their cycling, and I don't want to have to end up saying 'I told you so'.

"I've warned these kids myself a few times but I've given up because I've been given cheek in response. It's not nasty abuse, it's just childish. But I'm worried their parents must be aware their children are cycling without lights, but aren't doing anything about it.

"I remember when I was these kids' age a policeman took me home and gave me a rollicking, because although I did have a front bike light the battery had run down.

"But a lot of these kids now don't even have lights fitted. They are breaking the law and it's their parents' responsibility."

Cllr Thorne said he'd be willing to speak to police to secure funding to distribute bike lights and fluorescent gear to younger cyclists.

But he stressed young riders who aren't properly lit up can't use lack of money as an excuse, pointing out that bike lights do not cost much to buy.