Call for road users to respect each other’s space during peak season

A joint call for consideration and courtesy between all users of rural roads during the busy summer period has been issued by the walking and cycling promotional charity Sustrans Scotland and NFU Scotland.

In response to the fact that the seasonal peaks in farm workload during harvest tends to coincide with a greater number of people taking to rural roads to enjoy leisure pursuits during good weather, the two bodies have urged all road users to consider the safety of both themselves and others. Tom Bishop, Head of Network Development at Sustrans Scotland said that summer saw a spike in the number exploring National Cycle Network routes throughout Scotland by foot and bike, many of which included minor roads.

“The National Cycle Network offers the opportunity to experience some of the Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes, and we urge all those exploring the outstanding beauty along these routes to maximise their enjoyment by remaining aware and considerate towards all fellow travellers.”

NFU Scotland legal and technical chair Jamie Smart said harvest was critical for farmers and that the volume of large agricultural traffic was heavier on rural roads at this time, meaning that that the public were more likely to come into contact with it.

“We would urge other road users, including more vulnerable users such as walkers, cyclists and horse riders to be aware of the presence of agricultural traffic on rural roads.”

He said that, similarly, drivers of agricultural vehicles should take care around other road users, showing consideration and leaving plenty of space.