Travel Safe Bucks partners with Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service to promote cyclist safety
Buckinghamshire Council’s road safety initiative, Travel Safe Bucks is working in partnership with Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service to promote their ‘Two wheels’ campaign – encouraging drivers and cyclists to share the road safely.
With the recent changes to the Highway Code, Travel Safe Bucks want to promote the rules regarding overtaking cyclists. The changes state that, as a guide, drivers need to leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of 30mph, and more space than that when overtaking at higher speeds. To remind drivers of this while they’re out and about, advertising will be visible on the back of buses around Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.
Safe passing isn’t the only change to the Highway Code that affects cyclists. There have also been adjustments made to the guidelines around cycling at junctions, cycling at roundabouts and cycling past slow moving or stationary vehicles. These changes have all been made in a bid to keep the most vulnerable road users safe, and it’s important that all road users are familiar with them – particularly those who may have been driving for some time and may struggle to form new habits.
Steven Broadbent, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:
“Buckinghamshire is a beautiful county with lots of excellent cycling routes, which seem to increase in popularity all the time. It’s important for us all to be aware that cyclists are vulnerable on the road, and the changes to the Highway Code recognise this.
“I ask that all drivers are patient and give priority to cyclists at junctions and roundabouts and follow the new rules on safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking them. Drivers should also be mindful of other vulnerable road users.
“If you’re a cyclist, please follow the updated guidance for road positioning, which includes riding in the centre of the lane on quiet roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions or road narrowings. Please also wear something bright and make yourself visible and ensure your lights are working and that you are using them.
“We all have a part to play in road safety, and if we look out for each other, we can make the roads safer for everyone.”
For more information about the changes to the Highway Code, visit GOV.UK
It’s not just cyclists that are affected by the changes to the Highway Code, but other vulnerable road users too, including motorcyclists. ‘Be A Better Biker’ courses are back for their 13th year, available to anyone with a full driver’s licence looking to boost their confidence on a motorbike or develop their skills further.
To book a place on one of our Be A Better Biker courses, visit Eventbrite.