Posted on Monday 19th November 2018
Drivers in Staffordshire are being reminded to be more aware of and watch out for those on two wheels in a new road safety campaign.
The ‘Bike Smart’ campaign is part of Road Safety Week starting today (19 November). The initiative is being organised by national road safety charity Brake and supported by the Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership.
This year’s campaign is calling for drivers to be ‘Bike Smart’ by being more aware of cyclists and motorcyclists through slowing down and giving themselves more time to spot danger and react. Drivers are also being reminded to look properly for bikes before pulling out at junctions and leaving at least 150cm between cars and a bike when overtaking.
Speaking on behalf of the Staffordshire Safer Roads Partnership, Helen Fisher, cabinet member for highways & transport at Staffordshire County Council said:
“Staffordshire has some of the safest roads in the country, a record that we have worked hard to achieve and are proud of.
“With many more cyclists on the roads these days it is important for everyone to be considerate and respectful of other road users, whether that is on a bicycle, motorbike or in a car. That’s why we’re pleased to be backing this year’s campaign, and helping to raise awareness about the safety of those on two wheels. If we all take that extra bit of care, follow the advice and look out for other road users we can help keep our roads even safer.”
The theme for this year’s Road Safety Week follows analysis by Brake, which highlighted that 32% (247 of a total of 774) of all deaths and serious injuries that have occurred on roads in Staffordshire between 2015 and 2017 was a bike rider.
Joshua Harris, director of campaigns at Brake, said:
“Road Safety Week is a vital loudspeaker for individuals, communities and organisations to shout about road safety and raise awareness of the risks on our roads. With one bike rider being killed or seriously injured every hour in Britain, there is no better time for us all to be more ‘Bike Smart’.”
Road Safety Week is the UK’s flagship event to promote safer road use, coordinated annually by the charity Brake and involving thousands of schools, communities and organisations across the country. Further details can be found on the Road Safety Week website.