Under the 1989 Road and Vehicle Lighting Regulations, cyclists at night must ensure that front and rear lights are lit and that their bikes have effective red reflectors at the back.

But the Guild of Experienced Motorists claims offenders often receive just a warning when they should be prosecuted.

'Recipe for disaster'

"Cyclists who fail to use lights at night are causing danger to themselves and other road users and should face tough penalties," said the guild's national road safety officer, David Williams.

"Two-wheel vehicles are the narrowest on the road and can be difficult to see in daylight. After dark, and without lights, they become a recipe for disaster.

"We have often reminded drivers of the need to keep a special look out and make allowances for cyclists, but unless cyclists take the basic precaution of displaying lights, they face a great risk of being involved in a crash."