MOTORISTS’ awareness on potentially encountering horse riders on Barnsley’s countryside lanes is being raised due to ‘shocking’ accident rates following a lengthy campaign to boost safety.
Julie Fields - who has owned horses for 30 years - embarked on a campaign which 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.
Having received support from Barnsley South MP Stephanie Peacock, neighbouring councils and South Yorkshire Police, she praised a ride-along which saw the force’s officers - and two of their police horses - take to one of the’ danger routes’ between Brierley and Grimethorpe last week.
Dozens of motorists were offered advice by officers on the action day, while one was reported for driving without due care and attention.
Julie said: “I’m very proud because South Yorkshire Police have finally listened and conducted a close-pass operation in Brierley and Grimethorpe.
“We, as a riding community, along with Couns Dorothy Coates, Ashley Peace and Ruth Booker are extremely grateful for the support we received from the police in the operation.
“It shows that by working with the police - and subsequently collaborating with them to support them in any future improvements that can be made - will hopefully help make our roads safer for horses and riders in the future.
“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 in Brierley last September.”
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 police spokesperson added: “We conducted the close-pass operation to increase horse riders’ safety last Tuesday.
“There are many types of road users and it’s important that for everyone’s safety we all respect each other and understand the differences each mode of transport requires, including those with hooves.
“To raise awareness, our mounted officers and horses, alongside roads policing and neighbourhood colleagues, conducted the operation in Grimethorpe and Brierley.
“According to the British Horse Society (BHS) - a dedicated charity supporting riders’ safety - one horse is involved in an incident on the UK’s roads every day, and last year three riders and 66 horses lost their lives on the UK’s roads.
“During the day, new mounted PH Boris worked alongside PH Henry and patrolled local roads.
“About 30 drivers passed our horses and officers stopped to speak to them about the law.
“One driver received a traffic offence report for driving without due care.
“Remember when passing horses, to slow down and do not pass any faster than 10mph, give them at least two metres’ space
Give them space - give at least 2m when passing and if in doubt, wait and follow direction.
“As a driver, adhering to the law and guidance on passing not only keeps the horse and rider safe, but it keeps you and those inside your vehicle safe - a horse or rider falling on your car can have devastating consequences.
“You may come across riders riding two abreast and not always in single file - this is often a tactic used by riders when training young and inexperienced horses.
“Riders should also be familiar with the Highway Code and follow best practice for their safety including wearing high visibility clothing and ensuring their horse’s tack fits correctly.”
