Ferndown, Motoring & Transport | Posted on September 17th, 2024 | return to news
Ferndown horse-riding event urges motorists to drive more safely
A Verwood resident organised a ‘Pass Wide and Slow’ horse-riding event, reminding motorists of safe driving practices around horses.
A Verwood resident organised a horse ride through the roads of Longham in Ferndown on Saturday 14 September, to remind motorists of safe driving practices around horses.
The ‘Pass Wide and Slow’ event aimed to raise awareness of how to pass vulnerable road users, including horse riders, walkers and cyclists.
A total of eight horse riders, two cyclists and seven people on foot took part in the event, holding signs advising drivers to give horses two metres of space and to pass slowly.
Organiser Megan Robinson, who lives in Verwood and keeps horses in Ferndown, said: “This is a world-wide campaign with over 245 rides going out over the weekend from all over the UK, as well as New Zealand, the USA and South Africa.
“The results of the ride have already gone a step in the right direction to begin to get more horse-riding signs along Ham Lane to make it safer for us.”
As well as advising drivers on safer practices, the Pass Wide and Slow campaign urges horse riders to wear hi-vis jackets and hat cameras to report to the police any incidents people may have whilst out riding.
Members of the Dorset Rural Crime Team also took part in the Longham ride. The Crime Team said: “As we enter the autumn season, motorists are likely to continue to see horse riders on the road. We would like to take this opportunity to provide advice to motorists on how to drive around horses in a safe way.
“When you see a horse on the road, it is advised to slow down to a maximum of 10mph; only pass a rider or carriage if it is safe to do so; pass wide and slow keeping at least two metres of distance; and finally, to be patient and do not sound your horn or rev your engine.”
Further advice can be found on the Dorset Road Safe website: https://www.dorsetroadsafe.org.uk/education-courses-training-advice/horse-safe/
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