Pass Wide and Slow awareness rides saw hundreds of horses and riders take to the streets in the UK and abroad to promote road safety for horse riders with out hacking.
Of the 247 organised rides, which mostly took place across the weekend of 14-15 September, 190 occurred in the UK, 40 in New Zealand and there were also several in the USA and Canada. Many had support from local MPs, councillors and mayors, as well as police.
“Our aim is to raise awareness and educate motorists on how to safely pass horses on our roads. We were also riding in memory of those killed and injured on our roads due to motorists’ impatience, lack of respect, or simply lack of knowledge,” said Laura Grant.
“My pony Katie was fatally injured over a year ago due to a motorist’s impatience. I am determined she will not be forgotten and that something positive will come out of her death. Our ride was small, like many others, but was by no means insignificant — every rider makes a difference.”
The ride Laura organised in Carmarthenshire was supported by local MP, Dame Nia Griffith, Cllr John Prosser and Cllr Kim Broom.
Dyfed Powys Police provided a police escort to the horses and riders. The ride was also sponsored by Equi Hi Vi and EvoEquine Ltd, who provided rosettes to participants.
Katie’s Law
Laura currently has over 15,000 signatures on her Katie’s Law petition, which requests that rule 215 advisories within the Highway Code are made law. The advisories include passing horses at 10mph or less and passing horses as wide as is safely possible.
“Education is the way forward,” added Laura.
“Pass Wide And Slow is encouraging supporters to use their powerful literature and media to share the PWAS message at events and within their communities.”
Laura hopes that over 300 Pass Wide And Slow (PWAS) awareness rides will take place next year.
“I’m looking at research on horses and road safety, designing, promoting hi vis, signage, gadgets to use whilst riding on the roads. I’m also keen to encourage support of PWAS by engaging equestrian businesses in various ways, but most of all I’m looking into how to change drivers’ attitudes,” she said.
“Anything to make riding on our roads safer for everyone.”
The Pass Wide And Slow message is currently being displayed on local buses after a campaign was funded by generous donations from the public. Thirty-five buses in seven UK regions will featuring the PWAS message until 1 October 2024.
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