A road safety event in Oxford city centre this week will allow cyclists to get their bikes registered by the police, have repairs carried out, and learn how to be safer on the roads.
Oxfordshire County Council, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, the University of Oxford, Thames Valley Police and cycling campaign group Cyclox are teaming up to hold the Vision Zero road safety event in Broad Street on Thursday 6 November from 10am – 4pm.
The day will include the presence of a large lorry cab, so visitors can learn about ‘blinds spots’, as well as a crashed car exhibit from Thames Valley Police to show what happens to cars in road collisions. Representatives from Lime bikes and Voi e-scooters, which both operate hire schemes in the city, will also be there.
Visitors will be able to explore a range of stalls offering road safety advice and information, aimed at protecting the most vulnerable road users.
Once darkness starts to fall, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Thames Valley Police will jointly carry out their ‘Be Bright, Be Seen’ operation, educating cyclists who put themselves and others at risk by riding without lights.
The University of Oxford will be providing a mobile bike mechanic to carry out cycle safety checks and minor repairs on a first come first served basis. The service is free, but users will have to pay for any parts.
Andy Ford, Road Safety Manager at Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service, said:
“Winter is coming and dark evenings are approaching quickly again. This event is about reminding cyclists that they have a responsibility for their own safety too.
“It’s about making sure your bike is in good working order, that you’ve got lights on your bike that are visible, and wear something bright to give other road users a chance to see you.”
The ‘Be Bright, Be Seen’ campaign stand will be open throughout the event, while the community policing teams will be giving away free bike locks and offering bike safety and security advice, and information about the laws around e-scooters and e-bikes.
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said:
“Vision Zero is our ambition to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on Oxfordshire’s roads by 2050. No person should be killed or seriously injured as the result of a road collision, whatever mode of transport they are using.
“Education is a key part of this, whether you’re a motorist, a cyclist, or a pedestrian – or all three. It’s great to see so many organisations coming together in Broad Street to share advice and information that could help prevent lives from being lost on our roads.”
Cyclox will be there to listen to people’s thoughts about cycling in Oxford and to share information on rights and responsibilities when you cycle, as well as providing information on safe cycling routes in Oxford City.
Ian Loader, Chair of Cyclox said:
“Cyclox exists to support more people to cycle in Oxford, more often and more safely, so we are very glad to support this event on 6 November alongside so many organisations who care about safety on the roads in Oxford. Let’s get the number of fatalities and serious cycling injuries in Oxford down to zero.”
Oxfordshire’s road to Vision Zero features in tomorrow’s Highways Voices podcast, including interviews with Andy Ford and Andrew Gant of Oxfordshire County Council.
(Pic: Oxfordshire County Council)
