Potholes posing a road risk to riders
RIDERS are being urged to take extra care on the roads due to an increasing problem with potholes.
The issue has worsened dramatically recently, with insurer NFU Mutual recording a 48% rise in the number of pothole-related claims for road users between
2015 and 2017. The total value of claims has also doubled.
Harsh weather and limited highway maintenance means rural roads suffer, which is a danger to drivers, riders and cyclists.
“People who live and work in rural areas already face huge problems with poorly maintained roads, a higher risk of accidents and a lack of gritting in winter,” said Ian Flower of NFU Mutual.
“The deteriorating state of rural roads has been exacerbated by prolonged freezes. Flooding also poses an extra hazard as many deep potholes are disguised.”
On 4 April, rider Sherrie Hopwood suffered serious facial injuries when her horse fell into a flooded pothole in Oldham,
Greater Manchester. Her horse suffered cut legs and Ms Hopwood told H&H she was not yet up to talking about the incident.
Oldham Council said it was “sorry to hear what happened” and that inspectors had visited the road to assess the conditions.
“Unfortunately, over recent months some of our roads have been damaged due to the persistent cold and wet weather,” said a council spokesman.
“We look after more than 850km of roads, which is a huge task. We are realistic though; potholes will appear.
“Oldham Council recognises the importance of quality roads and has recently committed £6.2m towards improving our highways, in addition to the work we do repairing potholes.”
But, there is concern that rural roads are not well maintained.
This year, the Local Government Association (LGA) called for the government to tackle the disparity between national and local roads. LGA analysis revealed £1m per mile will be spent on strategic road networks such as motorways, compared to £21,000 per mile for local roads, from 2015 to 2020.
A British Horse Society spokesman told H&H Sherrie’s experience was “a very distressing incident for horse and rider”.
EXTRA RISKS
“THERE are extra risks associated with riding on the roads, especially if the road is in a poor condition,” she added. “We would always advise to check the route that you are planning on using, especially if you are using unfamiliar roads as there are many dangers that riders can face.
“The British Horse Society has a horse accidents website [horseaccidents.org.uk] where incidents can be reported; we then use these statistics to raise awareness of the issues that horse riders face.
“It’s important to remember that riders don’t want to be riding on the roads; they are often using them to get to the bridleway network. Riders need betterconnected off-road paths so they can avoid the roads but, in 2026, many historic routes of use to horse riders and carriage drivers will be extinguished if they are not formally recorded.”
Jeremy Atkins of NFU added: “The rural road network is essential for people in rural communities who need vital access to schools, healthcare and other services.
“Other rural road users, such as cyclists and riders, are also at risk as they may need to take sudden avoiding action when they encounter a pothole or may ride, unsuspecting, into deep potholes filled with rainwater.”