A new campaign has been launched through a new partnership to make the roads through the Chew Valley of B&NES safer for cyclists and motorists.
It has been launched by Avon & Somerset Police in partnership with Bath & North East Somerset Council following concerns raised at the Chew Valley Forum last November.
Police and Police Community Support Officers will be leading by example and taking to two wheels themselves on regular patrols around the area and they have also produced a leaflet reminding users of the basic safety rules.
Articles on safer cycling have been placed in local newspapers, and laminated THINK signs are being distributed to Parish Councils.
The venture is being backed by four time Ironman World Champion and world record holder Chrissie Wellington who regularly cycles in the area.
Cllr Caroline Roberts (Lib-Dem, Newbridge), Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “This is a clear example of the positive impact that the Connecting Communities Forums can make.
“Concerns were raised by local stakeholders and these have been swiftly acted upon to try to ensure the safety of road users.”
The Chew Valley Forum has been set up by Bath & North East Somerset Council and its partners as part of the Connecting Communities initiative.
It aims to develop a more joined-up approach to tackling concerns raised by local people and improve efficiency by reducing the number of community engagement meetings about different issues.
The meetings are designed to look at ways in which organisations can work together to address local issues and as a way in which the Council and its partners can consult with local people on a range of topics
Louise Fradd, Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Place Strategic Director said: “The Forum ensures local people have their say on the issues that matter to them.
“This is a really good example of how they can drive action in their communities.”
Sgt Will Stephens said: “Road Safety is a key issue for residents of the Chew Valley area.
“Through partnership working in the Connecting Communities Forums, we have learned more about the specific issues people have and we’ve been able to create a tailored cycling safety publicity campaign which we hope will improve road users’ attitudes to one another and to the wider community.
“This demonstrates the effectiveness of these public meetings which I hope we will see repeated regularly in future.”
Avon & Somerset Police are giving out the following advice:
- Cyclists: Ride positively and decisively ensuring you use clear signals.
- Keep well clear of the kerb and watch out for uneven road surfaces.
- Use lights after dark or in poor visibility and ensure you wear the appropriate protective and reflective clothing.
- Never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends.
- Motorists: Always look out for cyclists whilst using the road and opening your door.
- Use clear signals. Give cyclists plenty of space when overtaking and only overtake if the road is clear ahead.
- Remember cyclist may make sudden manoeuvres to avoid uneven road surfaces.
