A poll conducted by NFU Mutual has found that 57% of Brits are not aware of Highway Code changes coming into force tomorrow with particular importance in rural areas. The poll, conducted on Twitter by leading rural insurer NFU Mutual, calls into question whether the majority of road users will be familiar with the Highway Code when it changes on 29th January. The updated Highway Code brings in a … [Read more...]
Cycling gaining popularity and routes
Over half (53%) of UK cyclists have taken it up in the last 18 months, with nearly six in ten (58%) frequent cyclists purchasing a new bike during the same period. The way people commute is changing, with three in ten (31%) saying they always choose to cycle over other forms of transport and the trend will grow, with 61% saying they will cycle more in the future. Cities across the UK, … [Read more...]
Cwm Carn drive reopens after six years closed
Cwm Carn Forest Drive, Caerphilly reopened today for visitors by car, for the first time in six years, but now they have to pay. With the summer holiday period approaching, visitors will be able explore all seven miles of the new-look Forest Drive by car following the completion of major restoration and improvement works undertaken in partnership by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Caerphilly … [Read more...]
Highway Code changes pose problems for road users
With the Highway Code set to be updated in a bid to improve road safety for cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders, there’s concern that the new proposals will cause an increase in conflict and confusion on the roads. There are currently seven different types of crossings in the UK, including the new tiger crossing, currently being trialled in London, in a bid to make it safer for … [Read more...]
The road to anxiety may be short or long
A study with 2,000 UK motorists found 58% suffer anxiety behind the wheel. Conducted by rural car insurer NFU Mutual, the study reminds motorists to consider other road users and prioritise safety as Winter approaches and they prepare to take their first long journeys when lockdown lifts next week. The study discovered 36% of UK drivers struggled with anxiety as a direct … [Read more...]
Darker nights mean greater dangers
Now that summer is well and truly over and the clocks have reverted to GMT, the nights will be drawing in. Statistically we see more incidents involving pedestrians and vulnerable road users from October to March than we do throughout the rest of the year. Most incidents happen between 3pm and 7pm and we need to take special care to look out for pedestrians when it’s dark. IAM RoadSmart’s head … [Read more...]
Cycling in countryside needs care and consideration
While cycling continues to prove an increasingly popular way to get around there has also been an increase in danger. British Cycling, the national governing body for cycling now boasts over 166,000 members - a threefold increase in membership since the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. With increased cycle traffic on rural roads, often when people move there from urban areas, comes … [Read more...]
Cyclists get better protection, motorists face fines
New powers have been granted to local councils to enforce cycle lanes – but do you know your road markings? Ignorance of the law is no defence, so with new bicycle facilities popping up all over our towns and cities at the moment, as cycling is encouraged to ease pressure on public transport during the Coronavirus pandemic, it is now more important than ever to know where and when you can … [Read more...]
Newslines 1 June
Cyclists in Wales have been told they can ride up to 40 miles to exercise, compared to five miles by motorists. Welsh Government has said this is a reasonable move but it’s attracted criticism because some other exercise like playing tennis, where players are more than two metres apart, is still banned. Knox Road, Cardiff, opposite the city’s prison, is the least safe car park in Wales and the … [Read more...]
Newslines 20 September
If you’re planning to watch the Rugby World Cup games at a club or pub, beware the fact that drink drive accidents markedly increase between 1 and 4pm on a Sunday. Men are the main culprits, mostly younger drivers, says insurethebox.com . New trams on South Wales proposed £738M metro network will not have toilets, it has been learned. Transport for Wales says passengers would be able to use … [Read more...]
