Cycling safety campaign launched in Hampshire (From This is Hampshire)

Hampshire cyclists urged to think about safety

12:30pm Thursday 4th October 2012 in News By Gazette reporter

A CAMPAIGN to improve road safety for cyclists in Hampshire has begun this week.

New signs will be appearing on selected roads in the south of the county which are deemed to be the worst for cycling accidents in the Hampshire Constabulary area.

Officers will also be handing out advice and information leaflets to many road users.

Further media events will be held throughout the campaign including, in the week before the clocks go back, publicity highlighting the importance of being visible.

Hampshire Constabulary says that in 2011, there was an eight per cent increase in the number of cyclists who were road casualties across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, with 190 seriously injured and one cyclist killed.

In 2012, there has been a further fatality.

As a result, officers from Hampshire Constabulary’s Roads Policing Unit have created the Steer Clear campaign.

Throughout this month, officers will be trying to raise cyclists’ awareness of safety on the roads, including knowledge of the Highway Code, basic road safety, and traffic awareness.

Sergeant Darren Ord, who is co-ordinating the campaign, said: “Our message to cyclists is very simple – be safe and be seen.

“Another vital part of our campaign is raising awareness of road laws. It is simple stuff which our experience shows is often overlooked.

“Things like cycling recklessly on the pavement, having no lights on your bike, cycling and driving under the influence of drugs and drink, or more than one person riding on a solo bike.

“An important element will be targeting road users who choose not to stop at a red light or pedestrian crossing. This is very dangerous – and a particular risk for cyclists and pedestrians.

“We want to foster a culture of mutual respect between all road users.”