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Partnership operation helps cyclists stay safe

Press Releases

Published: 28/11/2008

As winter draws in and darker evenings become the norm, the safety of commuters and road users, and particularly cyclists, is of growing concern, prompting action from the Roads Policing Unit and Portsmouth City Council.

A number of events have been planned where officers will be out in the city with members of the council’s Road Safety Team, speaking to cyclists about road safety and offering discounted lights and visibility items for sale.

In the dark it is often difficult for drivers to see cyclists using the road, and with so many travelling to and from work or school on their bikes it is important to ensure all precautions are taken to prevent collisions.

The first event on November 17 was held at Green Farm Gardens, which is where a cycle path is located. Fifty cyclists were spoken to and offered advice on a range of issues, such as riding without lights, riding on the footpath and inconsiderate riding.

The event was held between 4pm and 6pm, which are peak times for those commuting on the roads in Portsmouth, and therefore can be the most dangerous times.

Further events are also taking place on Monday, December 1 on Northern Parade, on the north section of the road just prior to the cycle lane, and on Thursday, December 18 around Velder Avenue and Milton Road.

Cyclists who want advice, or to purchase some lights for their bikes, are encouraged to come along and have a chat.

Sergeant Andy Lynch from the Roads Policing Unit at Cosham said, “This project is about educating cyclists about safe road use. For everyone to be able to travel together safely we all need to take responsibility for our actions on the roads, and that means drivers, pedestrians and cyclists alike. It may seem easy to weave in and out of traffic or quickly jump off of the pavement onto the road, but it is these actions that can cause crashes.

"We want to encourage cyclists of all ages to come along and speak to us as we are around the city – this is about making sure cyclists are aware of the risks and how to avoid them and by taking a few simple safety measures it could make all the difference.”

Jayne Rodgers, sustainable transport officer at the council, said, "Research shows that a lot of accidents involving cyclists are caused by them having no lights, jumping red lights or hopping off the pavement into the road without looking. As well as our concern for cyclists, we get a lot of complaints about people riding their bikes on the pavement, which can be frightening and dangerous, especially for elderly or vulnerable people, or for people with young children.

"So we'll be working closely with the police on these sessions over the next few weeks. We'll be trying to talk to as many cyclists as possible about the dangers of not having lights, jumping red lights or riding on the pavement. And we'll be offering them lights and visibility gear at discount prices. For example, our light sets are about £8 cheaper than they are in the shops."

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