Promoting safety to cyclists

Herefordshire Council has been busy promoting cycle safety with a special event held at various locations throughout Hereford city.

Officers from the council's integrated transport and road safety team were on hand at various locations along the city's Great Western Way - one of the busiest routes for cyclists commuting to work - to promote safety to both cyclists and pedestrians.

Be seen, be safe was the major message of the Cycle Safety Awareness Day and cyclists were encouraged to improve their visibility to other road users by wearing high-visibility vests and fluorescent slap-its which can be worn around the wrist or ankle. LED light sets were also provided to cyclists who had inadequate lighting.

Councillor Brian Wilcox, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "The event reached a good mixture of people who were cycling to and from work and college as well as people shopping or making leisure journeys.

"It is vital cyclists can be seen by other road users and this event showed how simple measures such as high-visibility vests and proper lighting can make all the difference and prevent accidents from happening," he added.

Following the success of this event, the integrated transport team will be planning further events during Bike Week which runs from June 14 to 22 and in October.

Anyone wanting further advice on cycle safety should contact the council's integrated transport team on 01432 260514.