alsxx
Well-Known Member
I'm likely in the minority here, but I really struggle to understand the 'bad press' these cycle events, and cyclists in general get. I understand there has been a tragic accident involving the loss of a much loved horse, and I am sorry for that and my condolences go to the owners, but an accident is just that and accidents do happen be it with cars involved, dogs, bikes etc etc.
I live in an area that typically has 2 or 3 cycle road events (be that time-trials, road races or sportive events) in any one month. We had a Sportive ride that was routed right past my yard on Sunday and down half my usual hacking route. It is beyond me (I mean with that with good intention, I'm not trying to 'get' at anyone so please do not misinterpret me) how anyone could fail to miss the signs that get put out for these events.....they are everywhere! Bright neon orange direction signs clearly stating 'sportive events' with arrows so you can see where the riders will be heading... After reading the article in H&H on Thursday I asked my hubby (who sometimes participates in these events) if the amount of signage they were putting up in the days leading up to Sunday was usual - he said it was.
So I'm really at a loss to understand how people can say they are not well signed - ok it's not a sign on every corner that says 'Attention Horse Riders - cycle event taking place here on X date' - but surely as vulnerable road users we should be using our common sense to ensure we don't put ourselves and our horses in a vulnerable situation - if I see signs out for a ride, I either go out very early or late to avoid it. And the internet is a fantastic tool, I've never not been able to find out which events are taking place when. Most signs I see have the name of the organiser on them.... so I check their website.
As horse riders we all know we get enough 'bad press' by some road users citing horses shouldn't be allowed on the road etc etc..... I look at cyclists and their road events in much the same way as I feel about horse riders, we all have a right to use our roads. As above, my husband is a road cyclist, and so is my father who has been participating in the sport since before I was born (so 30 odd years) – I guess I am fortunate to see it from both sides of the fence.
With regards the sportive events, my Husband once showed me the advice that they give out to cyclists for how to deal with horse riders - it was well thought out, accurate advise and to be honest, I was really impressed. It talked about blind spots for horses, how approaching on a bike is often silent and the horse will not necessarily see it until the last minute. It also talked about Horses having flight instincts if scared, and to approach with caution, calling out to riders so that they are aware of the approaching bike. So whilst there is all this bad press, it seems that the organisers, in my experience as a Horse rider and through knowing 2 people who participate in these events, are actually making quite a lot of effort.
One thought I have, if these events are so well signed in my local area, but others are saying they are not in other areas – perhaps the BHS or similar should be on the case to the local council or highways or Police? These events need to be notified and approved before taking place, so perhaps it is the responsibility of the local authorities to stipulate minimum signing/notification of these events. Just a thought, as I’m baffled as to how well signed these events are in my local area, but apparently not anywhere else….
I live in an area that typically has 2 or 3 cycle road events (be that time-trials, road races or sportive events) in any one month. We had a Sportive ride that was routed right past my yard on Sunday and down half my usual hacking route. It is beyond me (I mean with that with good intention, I'm not trying to 'get' at anyone so please do not misinterpret me) how anyone could fail to miss the signs that get put out for these events.....they are everywhere! Bright neon orange direction signs clearly stating 'sportive events' with arrows so you can see where the riders will be heading... After reading the article in H&H on Thursday I asked my hubby (who sometimes participates in these events) if the amount of signage they were putting up in the days leading up to Sunday was usual - he said it was.
So I'm really at a loss to understand how people can say they are not well signed - ok it's not a sign on every corner that says 'Attention Horse Riders - cycle event taking place here on X date' - but surely as vulnerable road users we should be using our common sense to ensure we don't put ourselves and our horses in a vulnerable situation - if I see signs out for a ride, I either go out very early or late to avoid it. And the internet is a fantastic tool, I've never not been able to find out which events are taking place when. Most signs I see have the name of the organiser on them.... so I check their website.
As horse riders we all know we get enough 'bad press' by some road users citing horses shouldn't be allowed on the road etc etc..... I look at cyclists and their road events in much the same way as I feel about horse riders, we all have a right to use our roads. As above, my husband is a road cyclist, and so is my father who has been participating in the sport since before I was born (so 30 odd years) – I guess I am fortunate to see it from both sides of the fence.
With regards the sportive events, my Husband once showed me the advice that they give out to cyclists for how to deal with horse riders - it was well thought out, accurate advise and to be honest, I was really impressed. It talked about blind spots for horses, how approaching on a bike is often silent and the horse will not necessarily see it until the last minute. It also talked about Horses having flight instincts if scared, and to approach with caution, calling out to riders so that they are aware of the approaching bike. So whilst there is all this bad press, it seems that the organisers, in my experience as a Horse rider and through knowing 2 people who participate in these events, are actually making quite a lot of effort.
One thought I have, if these events are so well signed in my local area, but others are saying they are not in other areas – perhaps the BHS or similar should be on the case to the local council or highways or Police? These events need to be notified and approved before taking place, so perhaps it is the responsibility of the local authorities to stipulate minimum signing/notification of these events. Just a thought, as I’m baffled as to how well signed these events are in my local area, but apparently not anywhere else….
