Cyclists are being reminded to ‘Light up your Bike’ as the days get shorter this winter.

As part of a new awareness campaign, volunteers will be handing out free bike lights to cyclists in different parts of the city in the coming weeks.

On Newstalk Breakfast, Dublin Cycling Campaign Chair Una Morrison said people are often misled by bright afternoons in early winter and forget their bike lights when they head out.

"We'd encourage people to make sure you have your lights with you, so that you can be as visible as possible," she said.

Ms Morrison said it doesn't matter how "uncool" some teens may think bike lights are, they are a legal requirement in Ireland during 'lighting up time', which is from 30 minutes after sunset, until 30 minutes before sunrise.

Failure to use bike lights during that time can lead to Gardaí handing you a fine.

Consider the conditions

Ms Morrison said wearing reflective gear is a personal choice but urged people to "consider the conditions you're cycling in".

In terms of electric scooters or bikes, she said turning the lights on is just "a starting point".

"A lot of them have internal working lights powered by the batteries, so, you don't even have to remember to put [lights] on the bike or have them in your backpack," she said.

"And for those cyclists who are listening to the radio this morning, I'll encourage them to go drag the lights out of the garage and check they're working, charge them up and make sure that they're on your bike or in your backpack."

The initiative will be launched today by Lord Mayor of Dublin, James Geoghegan, with support from Dublin City Council.

A male cyclist rides a bike in full safety gear - Helmet, high visibility jacket, bike lights. 25/05/19 Image: Piranhi / Alamy Stock Photo