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A joint campaign to improve road safety launches today with 'Bike Smart' the central message.
The Guernsey Bicycle Group is working with Guernsey Police and Traffic and Highways Services on a number of initiatives this week.
Among the plans, Traffic and Highway Services staff and police officers will be working together to raise awareness of the need to "look out for people on cycles and motorcycles."
To do that, they'll also be visiting some schools to carry out safety checks on motorcycles and scooters.
Road Safety Officer Rex Williams said: “Cyclists and motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable of road users. The dangers posed to people on two wheels by conflicting with motor vehicles are distinct; as such road users who use bicycles and motorcycles are united by the need to reduce their risk of injury or worse.”
Banners will also be up across the island at key locations to raise awareness of the campaign to motorists.
Pictured: Guernsey Police are jointly working on the road safety campaign.
Guernsey Police Sergeant Tom Marshall said: “Roads are a shared public resource, and we want everyone – regardless of their mode of transport – to get to their destination safely. We think that’s what every road user wants, nobody wants to be involved in or cause an accident.
"That’s why this campaign is important; it reminds people that road safety starts with them, and anytime people are out on the road, they need to place safety at the forefront of their driving behaviour.”
“Bike Smart asks drivers to be courteous toward cyclists and motorcyclists, and to give them plenty of space when overtaking," Sergeant Marshall said. "It also places emphasis on cyclists and motorcyclists to adopt safe behaviour wear the right equipment and pay attention to road signs.
Steve Roussel, senior driving examiner said: “The speeds motorcycles can legally travel are equal to those of cars and yet motorcycle riders do not have equal protection in the event of a crash, such as air bags or side-impact bars, exposing them to the full force of an impact.
“Raising awareness of safe driving behaviour for riders and drivers alike, and therefore limiting injuries to motorcyclists, is vital. It also important to remind motorcyclists that injuries can also be minimised by the rider ensuring the correct safety clothing is worn at all times and to adhere to the Highway Code rules of the road.”
Pictured: Sam Field and the Guernsey Bicycle Group launched the 'stay wider of the rider' road safety campaign earlier this year.
Sam Field, Chairman of The Guernsey Bicycle Group said: “Cycling is one of the healthiest, cheapest and most environmentally-friendly forms of transport available with benefits to public health, congestion and the economy widely acknowledged.
“The number of us taking to our bicycles each year is increasing at a rapid pace so raising awareness of having safe journeys for cyclists by encouraging more people to cycle rather than drive, and keeping those who already do so safe, is a win/win.”
Pictured: Road Safety Week is focusing on the message, 'Bike Smart'.
Also during Road Safety Week, seven local preschools and nurseries will take part in 'Beep Beep Day' on Wednesday 21 November.
This national campaign teaches children aged between two and seven years the basics of road safety through fun activities.
Pictured top: The road safety campaign starts today.
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