Humberside Police supporting BRAKE Road Safety Week

The national campaign is particularly calling on drivers to protect people on foot and bike by going 20 or below in communities, looking longer and taking it slow at junctions and bends, and giving people plenty of room.

Motorists, Cyclist and pedestrians all use roads in different ways: often a mix of walking, catching the bus or driving, and maybe cycling, running or skating too. It is important to remember that some road users are more vulnerable and need protecting by those in charge of vehicles.

However, sometimes it can feel like roads are angry places where different road users are in different tribes competing for space. A lack of care by drivers can have awful consequences.

It can mean people feel less able to get out and about, kids are not allowed to walk to school, commuters don’t feel able to cycle and families are more inclined to use the car. It can also lead to tragedy: people suffering horrific injuries or even being killed because of someone going too fast, too close or not looking out.

Wouldn’t it be better if, instead of being stressful and risky, streets were places where everyone looked out for and protected each other, particularly the most vulnerable?

PC Barry Gardner, Humberside Police Casualty Reduction Officer said: “Whenever there are reports in the press about cyclists or pedestrians being involved in collisions with vehicles I see and hear comments from people such as; “it’s the cyclists fault, they are a menace they don’t pay road tax or insurance, they don’t have lights and cause drivers to slow down etc.” As well as comments from cyclists “it’s the car drivers fault, they don’t give us enough room, they come too close etc”

“Whatever side you take, it’s a fact that cyclists and pedestrians are a vulnerable group, as a vehicle driver you have a duty to drive with due care and attention at all times and should be on the look out at all times for this vulnerable group. Cyclists and pedestrians should be helping themselves by adhering to the rules of the Road and wearing highly visible or light clothing.

“It would be really refreshing and beneficial to everyone involved if these different groups of road users set their differing opinions to one side and looked out for each other. The key message is look out for each other: support the campaign.”