A campaign to force cycle manufacturers to fit a light and a bell to all new models has won the backing of an MP.

Tim Loughton took to the saddle to promote a bid to make the safety features compulsory.

The campaign was launched in Brighton and Hove in December by city councillor Peter Willows after he had two lucky escapes in his car when cyclists rode out in front of him. He won the backing of Chief Inspector Stuart Harrison, the man who will run Brighton and Hove's new police division.

Mr Loughton, MP for Shoreham and East Worthing, said: "I fully back this campaign.

"In winter, when it stays darker for longer, it is imperative that cyclists have lights and bells on their bikes.

"This is so motorists can see and hear them. It is strange that the Government wants to encourage a greater use of cycling yet does not include safety standards with this policy."

Inspector Chris Drew, sector commander for Adur, which includes Shoreham, said: "We are in the business of saving the lives of road users.

"Any idea that can contribute to this debate has got to be worth looking at."Figures show that 20,162 cyclists were injured and 127 killed on Britain's roads last year.

In Sussex, there were four fatal accidents involving cyclists. Another 81 were seriously injured and 560 more received minor injuries.

That is believed to be only the tip of the iceberg, as 60 to 90 per cent of cycle accidents go unreported.