Shropshire cyclists urged to be cyclewise!
The Safer Roads Partnership in West Mercia is today urging cyclists to stay safe on Shropshire’s roads.
With more people than ever turning to cycling as a viable form of transport the Partnership are reminding all cyclists how to stay as safe as they possibly can. Cycling is an enjoyable past time and an effective means of transport but there are ways to ensure this activity is done as safely as possible.
To make sure you can be seen by other road users when out and about wear or carry something light – coloured, bright or florescent in daylight. When it’s dark, use reflective materials, armbands or waistcoat and make sure your lights work and are clean, this will help cyclists improve their chances of being seen by other road users when road conditions are bad or it’s dark. Most importantly is to always wear a cycle helmet. Although not compulsory, wearing a cycle helmet can provide additional protection if you are involved in a collision and can help reduce the seriousness of a head injury. One crucial area to also look at is to make sure your bike is in good working condition, especially if it hasn’t been used for a while.
But the message the Partnership wish to deliver isn’t just for cyclists. Other road users need to be aware that they are increasingly sharing the road with other people and should ensure they allow extra room when overtaking cyclists.
With the right precautions cycling can be safe; however over the past three years (2008 - 2010) 7% of all recorded collisions within Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin involved pedal cycles, which consisted of 27 serious injuries and 6 deaths.
Vicki Bristow, Communications Manager for the Safer Roads Partnership says:
"Cycling is a popular past time within this region; however people need to take care in order to ensure they are doing it as safely as possible. We’re not only encouraging cyclists to be more aware and take on board some of our advice but also urging other motorists to take more care on the roads and watch out for other road user groups, giving them plenty of time and space. Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council deliver cycle training for a variety of ages so we are encouraging people who are maybe new to cycling or returning after a break to think about some additional training”
