‘SHOCKING’ accident rates on routes frequently used by horse riders have been revealed as part of a cross-border scheme to boost motorists’ awareness.
Julie Fields - who has owned horses for 30 years - has urged both Barnsley and Wakefield councils to finally listen to her and others having made a desperate plea to help horse riders feel safer on the roads.
Her campaign revealed more than 30 accidents have occurred on popular routes used by riders around Shafton, Felkirk, Royston and Grimethorpe and over the Wakefield border into Havercroft and Ryhill in the last five years.
A blackspot is situated at Lund Hill Lane and Church Lane’s crossroads near Rabbit Ings Country Park in Royston.
The Chronicle can reveal a ‘ride-out’ event is being planned for September 15 which Julie hopes will see dozens of riders take to the roads to raise awareness of their plight.
As well as this, Julie’s on a mission to boost bridleway conditions and install more awareness signs on her local lanes to warn drivers of potentially encountering a horse and its rider.
She said: “I couldn’t believe the road traffic collision data I pulled up from the last five years.
“It’s absolutely shocking yet we’re aware some haven’t even been logged, such as the horse fatality on Frickley Bridge Lane last September.
“How are horse riders meant to feel safe when collision rates on country lanes are so high?
“One good thing that’s come from the safety campaign is that our local leaders - from councillors including Dorothy Coates, MP Stephanie Peacock and police officers on both sides of the border - all seem to be on the same page.”
The current guidelines in the Highway Code, specifically Section 215, advise drivers to pass horses at under 10mph and as wide as possible.
However, they lack the enforceability of law, leaving riders and their horses vulnerable, according to campaigners who set up a petition to change the law.
A spokesperson from road safety charity Brake backed the petition - which has garnered 13,000 signatures in several months - and its aim.
“A horse weighs an average of 500kg and can reach speeds of up to 30mph in a matter of seconds - if they have cause for alarm, horses can cause great amounts of damage,” they added.
“As a driver, you may not consider how passing a horse too closely or at great speed could affect you.
“But the impact of a collision can not only cause the horse to be injured, but it can also cause serious injury to the rider or carriage driver, driver, and any passenger in the vehicle.
“Equestrians would prefer to stay off the roads, but this isn’t always possible due to the shrinking bridleway network.
“Drivers are advised to pass people riding horses or driving horse-drawn vehicles at a reduced speed of 10mph, and must allow at least two metres of space.
“Along with these new guidelines, the British Horse Society is urging drivers to drive slowly away and be patient - this includes avoiding using the horn or revving the engine.
“Taking all these steps will play a critical role in increasing the safety of horses, their riders and drivers.”
Barnsley South MP Stephanie Peacock said she supported calls for more safety measures to be brought in.
She said: “My office has been pleased in being able to help by securing signs in and around Shafton to warn drivers of potential riders.
“Julie is a passionate campaigner for this cause and I know the horse-riding community appreciate all her hard work.”
