Bicycles will be fitted with number plates in a novel programme aimed at raising awareness of cycle safety.

The scheme has been launched in County Mayo where cyclists will be issued with number plates for their bikes all part of National Bike week events in the County.

Noel Gibbons, road safety officer with Mayo County Council, hopes the number plates scheme will help raise awareness of cycle safety.

He says: "The purpose of the number plates is to raise awareness around cycle safety and encourage more people to take to the two wheel mode of transport rather than the four wheels.

"We also want to get the young cyclist to remember that they have a responsibility for their own safety when using a bicycle and motorists to understand the space cyclists need on the road."

"The bright coloured number plates will have a number on them and a safety message on them give cyclists 1.5m they will hang under the bicycle saddle, in a bid to increase the chances of other road users to see the cyclist."