As the summer months approach, cities across the country are gearing up for a busy period of road travel. With more people taking to the roads, it’s essential that motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, and members of the travelling public share the road responsibly and safely. A new safety campaign, “Share the Road,” aims to encourage road users to be mindful of each other and promote a culture of mutual respect on the highway network.
Key Themes
- Safe passing distances for vehicles overtaking people cycling
- Education on why people cycling take certain positions when riding on the road
- The need for motorists to check before opening their doors when parked up
- A reminder about changes to the Highway Code that give priority to people cycling straight on and pedestrians crossing at junctions
The “Share the Road” campaign will cover these key themes and provide regular messages displayed on the variable message sign (VMS) network across the city. In addition to this, a digital campaign with animations will be shared by the council and other partners across social media. This will help to raise awareness and promote a culture of safety and respect among road users.
Collaboration with Businesses and the Community
The council will also link up with businesses in Hull to promote the campaign and encourage safe driving practices. This includes working with its own fleet to promote the campaign and encourage road users to take a moment to reflect on the safety of others. As Cllr Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure, said: “At Hull City Council, it is our ambition to create a cycle-friendly city that supports those who choose to cycle, wheel or walk, whether it is for their daily commute or for leisure purposes and exercise, to do so with confidence.”
“Share the Road” is not about lecturing people or catching them out. Rather, it’s about promoting a culture of mutual respect and safety among road users. As Cllr Ieronimo explained: “The Highway Code states that those who can cause the greatest harm, have the greatest responsibility to reduce the risk they pose to others. What we are asking is for people to take a moment to reflect and to think of the safety of others.”
Promoting Active Travel
The “Share the Road” campaign is also aimed at promoting active travel in Hull. According to Steve Walsh, a volunteer with local active travel advocacy group, CycHull, the summer holidays are always a peak time for active travel in Hull, including cycling. This safety campaign provides a timely reminder to drivers and riders of motor vehicles of some simple measures they can adopt to share the road safely and responsibly with more vulnerable road users.
“Cycling, walking and wheeling are low-impact modes of travel that benefit our physical and mental health, the environment, and the local economy,” said Alan Gribben, sustainable travel lead for Hull and East Riding Friends of the Earth. “People often tell us they would like to cycle or walk more, but don’t always feel safe. We hope that these messages will encourage people to think about other road users and help everyone feel safer when moving around the city.”
Challenges of Summer Travel
The summer holidays will see more people taking time off work and travelling for leisure purposes, often doing so at different times of the day, which can mean the network being busier outside the usual times. This can pose challenges for road users, particularly those who are vulnerable, such as cyclists and pedestrians.
However, with the “Share the Road” campaign, we can work together to promote a culture of safety and respect among road users. By sharing the road responsibly and safely, we can help to reduce the risk of accidents and make our roads safer for everyone.
So, what can you do to help? You can start by being mindful of your surroundings and thinking about the safety of others. Take a moment to reflect on the road users around you and consider how you can share the road safely and responsibly.