Dutch police are to start experimenting with blue flashing lights for officers who patrol by bicycle – in a bid to boost their visibility.

The trials will take place in six different parts of the country and if a success will be expanded nationwide.

‘Police cyclists are not always easily seen,’ police cyclist Nick Schuermans, who came up with the idea, said. ‘On the one hand, that is to our advantage if we don’t want to be noticed during surveillance, but on the other, there are situations when you really want to be visible.’

Police officers will be able to switch on their blue lights if they need to assist at a traffic accident or if they get a report about speeding on a dark road, he said. ‘Cyclists are always vulnerable in traffic,’ Schuermans said.

Unlike with cars and motorbikes, the bicycle blue lights will not give the police cyclists priority at traffic lights.

The experiment, which will run until the end of April, will be carried out in six police regions including Amsterdam, The Hague, the north of the country and parts of Brabant.