Horse riders raise awareness for important Highway Code changes
Horse riders raised awareness for important road safety changes on Sunday.
Their efforts were in aid of a national campaign informing road users of recent changes to the Highway Code.
The code, updated in January, states that drivers must pass horse riders and carriages at a distance of two metres at speeds below 10 miles per hour.
A convoy of 12 horse riders – the youngest five-years-old— three cyclists and one pedestrian assembled at the Crown Water and Coffee car park from 10am.
They rode along the B4009 towards Curridge before returning to their start point via Curridge Road.
Event organiser Tash Callaway said: "It went really well. Most that took part were local from around Curridge itself and others from Lambourn, Newbury and Leckhampstead.
"We were supported by Berkshire Farm Girl, Eleanor Gilbert, in her tractor leading the way and PCSOs Sue and Georgia from Thames Valley Police West Berkshire Pangbourne Neighbourhood Team following behind and keeping us safe.
"Our marshalls and banner sponsors were Laurence Parker and Nick Pass from Wyvern Landscapes who went ahead of us to let drivers know we were coming.
"I cannot thank enough our ground crew for giving up their time on a weekend, especially a Sunday, to help us ride this route and most importantly to make people aware of how to pass us should they encounter us on the roads and byways."
"We met a lot of traffic and we all thanked each and every driver as they slowed or even stopped to let us pass by. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the traffic that we held up as they followed behind us, especially for their patience.
"Our banner on the front of the tractor demonstrated how equestrians should be passed safely on our roads. If by doing this, we managed to make just one of those motorists aware of this, then our pass wide & slow ride was a success.
"Rosettes were handed out afterwards as were bacon rolls, a cuppa and cupcakes made by Sarah’s Bakes. These went down a treat.
"As well as our ground crew, I would also like to thank ITV Meridian News for their coverage of the ride along with Newbury Weekly News and also our other sponsors Dan Willis of Rookery Farm, Threshers Barn, GazKaz, Cas Graham Photography and Crown Water and Coffee."
