Horse riders, walkers and cyclists invited to 'Pass Wide and Slow' ride in Newquay
A PWAS safety petition has led to almost 150 events across the country
Last updated 29th Apr 2022
Two women from Newquay are going to stage a Pass Wide and Slow ride and drive, to raise awareness of the safety of vulnerable walkers, cyclists and horse riders on the roads.
Lisa Lawrence and Cazzy Govier set up the ride to try and create further awareness of road safety in Cornwall.
The event is one of almost 150 which have been set up under the PWAS campaign across the, country, teaching road users how to pass horses when they're riding alongside traffic.
Lisa said: "We would all love to ride in fields and off-road but unfortunately we don't always have that luxury.
"Some of us only have lanes which is fine but some people have to ride on main roads to get to one bridleway to another so it's really important that any motorists that are needing to pass understand the correct way.
"Horses are a flight animal so they're more likely if something spooks them to jump in to the road and on to passing cars. I certainly wouldn't want that".
Lisa says this year felt like the perfect time to host an event, following the changes to the Highway Code.
Those include a hierarchy for road users and updated guidance on safe passing distances and speeds for drivers and motorcyclists overtaking vulnerable road users.
This includes driving at speeds under 10mph and allowing at least two metres when passing horses, or waiting behind if it is unsafe to overtake.
Lisa said: "We're hoping the ride will help raise awareness, we will be touching a main road as that's the whole point of the ride to raise that awareness. We're drumming up support from different people, and we're just asking people to come forward and say they want to join us.
"Walkers and cyclists as well if they want to join us because we're all vulnerable road users and obviously horse riders and cyclists in the hierarchy are the same so if we can join forces to put that message across it'll be really good".
The PWAS petition was set up in 2016 and has triggered hundreds of rides across the country to raise awareness on the safety of vulnerable road users.
Lisa has stressed the importance to 'be bright and seen' so other road users notice them and told us she and her horses always go out with colourful layers; she is encouraging other vulnerable road users to do the same.
When asked about what advice she would give to road users, Lisa continued: "Just please be aware, don't rev your engine, don't peep your horn. Slow down, be patient and the horse rider will pull in where they can and let you pass.
"If you're a horse rider, the importance of wearing high-vis on both horse and rider is so that vehicles can see you a lot quicker".
The ride in Newquay will take place on Sunday 18th September, on a mix of roads and track paths.
You can find out more about the event on Lisa and Caddy's dedicated Facebook page.