People across the city are being urged to look out for one another over the busy summer months as part of a safety campaign to encourage motorists, people cycling, pedestrians and members of the travelling public to share the road responsibly.
The ‘Share the Road’ campaign will cover several themes, including –
- safe passing distances for vehicles overtaking people cycling, which is 1.5m at 30mph
- educating people about why people cycling take certain positions when riding on the road, such as when cycling in the centre of the lane when approaching junctions and roundabouts for safety or when passing parked vehicles
- the need for motorists to check before opening their doors when parked up, so as not to hit a passing pedestrian or people cycling
- and a reminder about changes to the Highway Code that give priority to people cycling straight on and pedestrians crossing at junctions.
The campaign will include regular messages displayed on the variable message sign (VMS) network across the city as well as a digital campaign, with animations, that will be shared by the council and other partners across social media.
The council will also link up with businesses in Hull, as well as its own fleet, to promote the campaign and encourage safe driving.
“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,” said Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure.
“Share the Road isn’t about lecturing people or catching people out. We are all just trying to get somewhere at the end of the day, and we all have a part to play when it comes to safety on the city’s highway network.
“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.
“However, you get around Hull and whoever you meet on your journey we encourage you to travel like you know them.”
Steve Walsh, a volunteer with local active travel advocacy group, CycHull, said: “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.”
Alan Gribben, sustainable travel lead for Hull and East Riding Friends of the Earth, said: “Cycling, walking and wheeling are low impact modes of travel that benefit our physical and mental health; the environment; and the local economy.
“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.”
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. More people, especially families with children, will also take the opportunity to walk, wheel or cycle more during periods of good weather.
Share the Road supports the city’s Community Plan and its ambitions of creating safe and welcoming neighbourhoods, a healthier and fairer Hull and responding to the climate emergency.
