Youngsters see the light

Free LED cycle lights, funded by the Borders-based specialist law firm, are being provided to those travelling to and from the the newly-opened track.

Hawick Community Policing’s Sgt Paul Begley said: “The pump track is a great asset and is attended by a large number of children from across the area.

“The track has many benefits including promotion of sport and wellbeing.

“We have recently received a number of complaints relating to children travelling to and from the track in the dark without lights on their bikes. This initiative will allow us to provide cycle lights to those who need them and allow them to hopefully be that bit more visible and safe on the roads on their way to and from the track.”

Thomas Mitchell of Cycle Law Scotland added: “We’re delighted to be able to provide bicycle lights to support this initiative, given that we see daily the consequences of road traffic collisions between vulnerable road users and vehicles. Anything we can do to help educate all road users and promote the legal requirement to #lightup in order to see and be seen has got to be a good thing.”

Kevin Mitchell chair of Hawick Community Pump Track commented: “We are really happy to see such a large number of people on bikes and scooters making good use of the sponsored track lighting.

“We tend to forget just how quickly it becomes dark and that on bicycles and scooters, it can be hard to see and be seen.

“We’re delighted to push this initiative alongside Cycle Law Scotland and Police Scotland and ensure that all our users are more visible out there on the roads.

“Everyone must remember it’s in their best interest to be seen and, hopefully, these lights will be a first step.”