Keeping safe on our roads starts with being visible

Re. FRONT PAGE 1 February – ‘Keeping the roads safe for all’.

OK so I’m going to have a bit of a rant here.

May I ask what will be done about those runners, walkers and cyclists on our roads who don’t wear a hi-vis vest, or even something fluorescent at least, so that car users and others may see them – day or night? Time and time again when the light has started to dim, I am seeing no lights on bikes ridden by adults and children alike, plus they are wearing dark coats and trousers to boot.

Are they keeping the roads safe for all? If you are a car user you put your lights on when the light fades – so why shouldn’t they?

There are some pedestrians who we drivers have to give way to on the road that have little or no regard for their safety or others, completely oblivious to what is around them while on their phones.

Perhaps a sponsor could be found to supply all school children with hi-vis vests when cycling?

Maybe parents could consider next time they buy a new coat for their child of school age, regardless of whether he/she walks or cycles, that a bright one would be a really good idea, rather than black.

Just recently at 7.30pm I was driving along Brigade Road towards the Dairy and I saw this lady runner coming towards me with her back to the traffic (you should always try and walk facing oncoming traffic wherever possible). She was dressed in dark clothing from head to toe with no lights on whatsoever. How she survived running along that road with no pavement beggars belief.

Unbelievable.

I wish you all safe journeys, whichever way you wish to travel. Here ends my rant. Thank you.

MRS D. PENGELLEY