Let’s talk about... changes to the Highway Code. Do you feel safer riding on the road?
The recent changes to the Highway Code
(read more on page 10) are a positive step forward for horse riders and our safety on the roads, but how do you feel about them — do you feel they go far enough, and are they having an impact? To find out what riders think about these changes, we asked our Facebook followers for their comments — here’s what they had to say... IT’S HAD AN EFFECT
Cars now crawl right behind us then pass so slowly. It’s very unnerving, but it’s all good that they have taken notice of the changes. Miki Waddington
COULD HAVE GONE FURTHER
They ought to have gone a step further and made it law to wear hi-vis on the roads. Tracy Pringle Warren
THINGS ARE CHANGING
I’m finding many cars slowing down and making a real effort. However, there are still some drivers who come past at speed. Katy Brown
IT’S THE MINORITY
Drivers who care will slow down, or attempt to do so. A very low percentage don’t know or try, and an even smaller percentage just won’t follow the rules, no matter what’s in the Highway Code. This is my experience on the road I use. Sadly, one day the worst will happen, and this scares me.
Mike Mills
NOTHING’S CHANGED
The majority of road users still carry on as normal and it probably won’t affect them unless there’s an accident. I absolutely hate riding out on roads near me. Sal Moden
IT’S AN IMPROVEMENT
I prefer cars to pass promptly— rather than lurking behind — but I am lucky that my boy isn’t really bothered by traffic. However, if someone has to drive through puddles at the side of the road in order to give me two metres space that might cause a problem — but it’s better than rushing past. Janice Edwards
A POSITIVE CHANGE
Definitely; when I’ve been out hacking this week it seems to have made a difference.
Jane Smyth
NO CHANGE
Not particularly... my horse is getting awesome on the roads and only very occasionally something may set him off. I had a person towing an empty horse trailer pass me the other day going at some speed without really slowing down. If horse owners and riders can’t get it right, we have no hope! Daniel Boden