‘Use Roads Safely’ Says Drive SMART to Motorists and Cyclists

Published on: 9 Aug, 2016
Updated on: 10 Aug, 2016

Cyclists and motorists are being encouraged to safely enjoy the roads this summer in an attempt to reduce the risk of casualties.

Drive SMART, the Surrey County Council and Surrey Police road safety initiative, is behind the campaign and is committed to educating all road users about how they can stay safe.

The number of cyclists on the road naturally increases during the drier and warmer months with more people likely to commute to work on bikes, while there are also more enthusiasts out and enjoying cycle routes at the weekends.

A press release from Surrey Police states: “Figures show that one in five accidents involving cyclists happens at a junction. This is an area where both motorists and cyclists need to be more aware of each other.

“By taking a few simple steps cyclists can vastly reduce the risk of collisions.

· Ride away from the edge of the road, particularly when passing junctions.

· Ride away from the kerb, to avoid debris and drain covers.

· Be aware of car doors being opened as you pass them.

· Take extra care and consider other users on shared paths.

· Make sure that your helmet is fitted correctly.

· Remember to follow the Highway Code.”

Police Supt Chris Moon said: “We want to do all we can to ensure cyclists and motorists alike stay safe on the road. Ultimately the road is there for everyone to share, but it comes with an added responsibility for yours and others safety.

“If you are going out for a ride just take a minute to think about your route and what considerations you need to give it for example how are you going to approach certain junctions or where do you need to give yourself more room. Equally if you’re driving consider how you would want to be treated as a cyclist.”

Kay Hammond, Surrey County Council’s cabinet associate for community safety services, commented: “Cycling has many benefits – not only is it kind to the environment and good for health, it is also one of the cheapest forms of transport – and we want more people to cycle with confidence.

“This campaign is about encouraging both cyclists and motorists to look out for each other and take precautions so our roads are as safe as they can be for everyone.”

Anne Milton, here pictured with her bike on the Town Bridge, is a regular cyclist in Guildford.

Guildford MP Anne Milton, a regular cyclist, said: “I welcome any encouragement for both motorists and cyclists to respect each other on the roads.

“For every cyclist there is one less car on the road and we both need to share the road space with care.

“I will continue to lobby Surrey County Council to do what they can to make cycling a realistic option.

“Everyone knows that money is tight but we need the political will to improve the roads for cyclists and more cycle routes for people who want to get around town and to the station.”

Meanwhile statistics released by the Department of Transport show that in Surrey there have been increases in pedal cycle casualties (killed or seriously injured) for all age groups apart from children, with particularly large rises in the age groups over 40 years old.

In 2015 three cyclists were killed, 136 suffered serious injury and 447 slight injuries in the county.

The national total of 100 cyclist fatalities is the lowest on record, perhaps surprising given cycling’s increasing popularity.