I recently watched a compelling UK documentary that shed light on a topic close to my heart: horse road safety. The film's insights and my personal experiences have reinforced my belief that our rural roads have become increasingly unsafe for vulnerable users, including equestrians.
The Vulnerable Road User Dilemma
The documentary highlighted how horse riders are classified as vulnerable road users alongside pedestrians and cyclists. While the Highway Code provides guidelines for drivers encountering horses, the reality on our rural roads often falls short of these ideals.
Key Highway Code Rules:
- Rule 204: Exercise extra caution around vulnerable road users
- Rule 215: Pass horses wide and slow, at a maximum speed of 15 mph
However, as I've observed from my own rural lane, these rules are frequently overlooked or ignored.
The Rural Road Challenge
Living on a rural lane myself, I've witnessed firsthand the dangers that horse riders, pedestrians, and cyclists face daily. The documentary echoed my concerns, pointing out several critical issues:
- Blind bends and overgrown entrances: These reduce visibility for all road users.
- Inappropriate speed limits: Many country roads still maintain the national speed limit of 60 mph, which is frankly terrifying for non-vehicular users.
- Misconceptions about road usage rights: The outdated notion that horses don't belong on roads persists.
Personal Perspective: A Growing Fear
I must confess that my situation has reached a point where I no longer feel safe walking my dogs or riding horses on the very lane where I live. This fear is not unfounded; it reflects the increasing danger on our rural roads. The documentary's portrayal of these risks only confirmed my personal experiences.
Seeking Solutions: What Can Be Done?
The film explored several potential solutions, which I believe are crucial for improving safety:
1. Enhancing Visibility
While high-visibility gear for riders and horses is essential, I argue that the responsibility shouldn't fall solely on vulnerable users. We need systemic changes to make rural roads safer for everyone.
2. Driver Education
The "Pass Wide and Slow" campaign featured in the documentary is vital. However, I believe we need more comprehensive, nationwide efforts to educate drivers about sharing roads with horses.
3. Infrastructure and Policy Changes
Local authorities must step up. We need:
- Clearer, more prevalent signage
- Reduced speed limits on rural roads (I have written to my local authority and spoken with representatives to no avail)
- Better maintenance of hedgerows and verges
4. Technological Solutions
The use of helmet cameras by riders, as shown in the documentary, is a smart move for documentation. But shouldn't we be focusing on preventing incidents rather than just recording them?
Breaking Stereotypes
The documentary did an excellent job dispelling the myth that horse riding is only for the privileged. As someone deeply involved in the equestrian community, I can attest to its diversity and inclusivity. Horses contribute immensely to personal development, teaching responsibility and empathy - lessons that are valuable for all road users.
A Call for Collective Responsibility
After watching the documentary and reflecting on my own experiences, I'm more convinced than ever that creating safer roads is a shared responsibility. It requires action from riders, drivers, local authorities, and policymakers.
As an equestrian journalist, I'm committed to raising awareness about these issues. But as a rural resident, I'm also pleading for change. Our rural roads should be safe spaces for all users - whether on four wheels, two wheels, or four legs.
It's time we reclaim our rural roads as safe spaces for all. The documentary has shown us the problems; now, we must push for solutions. Let's work together to ensure that no one feels afraid to enjoy the countryside, be it on horseback, on foot, or on a bicycle.
What are your thoughts on rural road safety? Have you had similar experiences? I'd love to hear from our readers and continue this crucial conversation (especially if you have had any breakthroughs with your local authority).
