Hot weather prompts Sidmouth cycle warning

RESIDENTS and visitors using Sidmouth’s roads have been urged to ‘watch out for bikes’ as warm weather takes hold.

RESIDENTS and visitors using Sidmouth’s roads have been urged to ‘watch out for bikes’ as warm weather takes hold.

Devon County Council (DCC) wants to encourage the use of motorcycling and cycling on the region’s highways but have issued a safety warning to drivers.

Transport chiefs say there are number of benefits to two-wheel travel such as reducing congestion, cheaper running costs than a car, and, in the case of cycling, a healthier lifestyle.

However, both cyclists and bikers are vulnerable road users and motorists have been urged to take extra care- such as checking mirrors regularly.

Despite only making up around one per cent of all road users in Devon, motorcyclists will normally account for a quarter of all those killed on the county’s roads, says DCC. Lighter and longer days will see more people taking to bicycles.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation says,

“It’s a pleasure to see more people cycling for everyday journeys, and there has been a phenomenal increase in the number of children cycling to school,” said Councillor Stuart Hughes, DCC cabinet member for highways and transportation.

“It’s important that we remind all road users to look out for each other - walkers and cyclists are the most vulnerable and so we would implore motorists to look out for them and show consideration on the roads.”