A road safety campaign will focus on reducing the rising number of accidents involving cyclists when it is launched today.

During the Let’s Look out for Each Other initiative police officers will be stopping cyclists who are seen without lights, helmets or wearing reflective clothing.

Sergeant Paul Ward of the Suffolk Roads Policing and Firearms Operations Unit said: “Following sporting successes in the Olympics and Tour de France cycling is becoming much more popular and the number of cyclists on Suffolk roads, whether commuters or sports cyclists, has increased in recent years. However this in turn has led to an increase in cycle casualties.”

“This increase cannot be put solely down to either cyclists or motorists so we want to encourage all parties to look out for each other and stay safe on the roads. Cyclists need to be visible, wear bright clothing, use lights and reflectors and wear a cycle helmet.”

The campaign, run by Suffolk Roadsafe Partnership, focuses on drivers and cyclists increasing their awareness and sharing the road safely. The launch of the campaign coincides with Brake Road Safety Week, which begins today.

Police and crime commissioner, Tim Passmore, said: “I fully support any initiative which improves road safety in the county. Keeping safe on our roads is a shared responsibility and I am pleased to see that this campaign focuses on drivers and cyclists alike.

“I would also like to thank local businesses for their support by offering discounts for people to buy lights, reflective clothing, helmets and other safety equipment. This joined up initiative really encourages us all to look out for each other.”

Officers will be handing out leaflets to both cyclists and drivers, which detail ways in which everyone can be safer on the roads. A copy can be found at www.suffolkroadsafe.net/look.

Councillor Graham Newman, Suffolk County Council’s cabinet member for roads and transport, said: “This campaign aims to remind both cyclists and drivers of the importance of looking out for each other to avoid serious and life threatening accidents occurring.”

A number of cycle shops are supporting the campaign by providing riders with discounted equipment such as helmets and lights up until January 31.