Cycling safety at forefront of latest Vision Zero event

A road safety event in Oxford city centre this week will allow people 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 annual Vision Zero road safety event in Broad Street on Wednesday 4 November from 10am - 4pm.

The day will include the presence of a large lorry cab, so visitors can learn about blinds spots.

Visitors will be able to explore a range of stalls offering road safety advice and information, aimed at protecting road users.

Once darkness starts to fall, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and Thames Valley Police will jointly carry out its 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: “This event will help people make sure their bike is in good working order and that they’ve got lights that are visible.

“Dark evenings are approaching so we want to remind people who walk or cycle that they have a responsibility for their own safety and urge them to wear something bright to give other road users a chance to see them.”

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.

Professor Mark E. Smith, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Planning and Resources at Oxford University, said: “Casualties on our roads are not inevitable – many of these tragedies could have been prevented. The University is proud to support Vision Zero, and we'll continue working with our partners to create a truly safe transport system.”

A spokesperson for Thames Valley Police’s Roads Policing Unit said: “We support this cycle safety event and Oxfordshire County Council’s wider Vision Zero ambition to reduce deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

“As a force, we are committed to tackling the behaviours that contribute to the Fatal Five causes of serious and fatal collisions: speeding, drink and drug driving, not wearing a seatbelt, driver distraction and careless driving.

“Events such as this help educate all road users, improve safety awareness and encourage everyone to play their part in making our roads safer for cyclists, pedestrians, equestrians and motorists alike.”

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: “A city that is safe for cycling is safe for everyone.

“Come and find out why 20mph speed limits reduce collisions, injuries and deaths and why we're campaigning for everyone to be able to live and work on a street that is safe to walk beside, cycle on and to cross. No-one wants to see death or injury on Oxford’s roads.”

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