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A week long initiative aimed at improving safety and awareness for vulnerable road users started at 7am today and runs until 7am on Friday 12 July.  The initiative is part of Police Scotland’s commitment to making Scotland’s roads safer.  Vulnerable road users include pedal cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders and motorcyclists.

During the summer months we see more people out using our roads, whether walking, on bikes or on horseback, making the most of the longer days and the better weather. It is imperative that we all work together to ensure the safety of everyone.

Key Reported Road Casualties Scotland 2012 show that car and pedestrian casualties have decreased whilst motorcycle and pedal cycle casualties have increased.  Pedestrian and pedal cycle fatalities have also increased.

All road users are asked to ensure that they are properly prepared and equipped for whatever activity they plan, including maintenance checks on vehicles and suitable hi-visibility clothing and helmets where appropriate.

To reinforce this message officers will be patrolling roads and carrying out road checks for the duration of the initiative.  They will be taking every opportunity to talk with road users to give advice and, where appropriate, enforce legislation with a particular emphasis on the dangers faced by more vulnerable road users.

Inspector Tracey Robinson, Divisional Road Policing Unit Edinburgh, said: “This campaign focuses on educating everyone about the vulnerability of such groups, but all road users have a responsibility to ensure they are doing everything possible to keep themselves safe.

“Pedestrians – take all necessary precautions when crossing a road and wherever possible use a designated crossing point.  On country roads where there are no footpaths, walk on the right so you can see oncoming traffic approaching, be extra careful at right hand bends.

“Drivers, remember some pedestrians need longer to cross the road, be patient and ensure they are safely across before moving off.  Children and the elderly may find it difficult to judge speed and distance so may attempt to cross the road when it is not safe to do so, we should drive with the safety of pedestrians in mind at a speed that is suitable for the conditions.

“Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable when under the influence of alcohol, as this impairs judgement and drivers must take this into account in relation to the night-time economy.

“There are a great many more people, especially in our towns and cities, now choosing to cycle rather than take the car.   We need to remind drivers to watch out for pedal cyclists and give them plenty of room when overtaking and only overtake when it is completely safe to do so.

“There are a minority of cyclists who flout the law and place themselves and others in danger.  Cyclists must obey all traffic signs, traffic light signals and must not cycle on pavements.  At night your bicycle must have the correct lights fitted and lit.  Whether motor cycle or pedal cycle, remember ‘Think Bike, Think Biker!

“When passing people out on horseback, slow down and always leave plenty of room.  Take great care and treat all horses as a potential hazard.

“Riders, before you take a horse on to a road you should ensure all tack fits well and is in good condition and make sure you can control the horse.  The message is clear to all – ‘Don’t Risk It’

“If you are unsure of the legislation which applies to your chosen activity suitable advice and guidance can be found in the Highway Code which is available online.

“I would ask anyone who has any information relating to the irresponsible use of vehicles on the roads to contact  Police Scotland on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111”

For more information on how you can improve your driver behaviour, visit the following websites:

http://Vulnerable Road User Initiative, Edinburgh

www.dontriskit.info <http://www.dontriskit.info/>

www.aroundthecorner.org.uk

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John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.