Campaign to make UK roads safer

02/04/13

By Daniel Machin

With the clocks going forward and British Summer Time beginning, employers, community groups, and other organisations are being encouraged to take part in an initiative to make our roads safer.

Bright Days, run by Brake, in conjunction with Autoglass, aims to remind drivers to slow down and watch out for pedestrians and cyclists, especially around homes and schools.

People are expected to be out and about making the most of the warm weather as it stays light for longer at night, but this brings with it a greater risk of accidents.

The road safety charity is therefore calling on everyone to do their bit to make roads safer.

"Bright Days are a fun, easy way for organisations to promote vital road safety messages to employees or members and the wider community while raising funds for Brake," said Julie Townsend, chief executive at the charity.

"And dressing bright for Brake is a great visual reminder to everyone of the importance of making our roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists."

The call to take part in the initiative comes as Brake and British Cycling published a survey of 1,000 cyclists, 98 per cent of whom believe more should be done to make local streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

As many as 88 per cent of cyclists think traffic is too fast on roads in their area, while 68 per cent say widespread 20mph limits are needed to make cycling and walking safer.

If roads were safer, 46 per cent of respondents would cycle more local journeys, 44 per cent would cycle more for leisure or exercise and 40 per cent would cycle more to work.

Brake and British Cycling claim that introducing 20mph limits in towns and cities alongside improvements to existing road design would help produce more safe cycling routes.

By taking such action, the duo said it would create a legacy of healthy, active, green communities where everyone can cycle and walk without being endangered.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.