The focus for this year’s Road Safety Week has been on vehicle safety, slowing speeds, and spreading awareness on when it’s appropriate to mount the pavement.
The initiatives involved a number of organisations and authorities including Bailiwick Law Enforcement, Traffic and Highway Services, the charity Living Streets, and the Guernsey Road Users Network (GRUN).
‘Safe vehicles, save lives’ was the focus of the week, with several organisations pledging to help islanders make sure their modes of transport are road-worthy.
Islanders have been encouraged to check that their brakes and lights work correctly and that their tyres have sufficient tread depth.
The week has also seen Bailiwick Law Enforcement carrying out enhanced spot checks on vehicles during the week, and reminding motorists that reckless ‘Pavement Surfing’ could result in a £65 fine.
The roadworthiness of bicycles was specifically highlighted, with The Active Travel Unit offering advice to cyclists on staying safe, which included basic bicycle maintenance, using reflective jackets and lights appropriately, and proper helmet fitting.
GRUN teamed up with local company Wheels and Co, to offer free checks to any cyclists wanting to take up the offer, as we say goodbye to autumn and head into the winter months.
Matthew Joyce, the owner of Wheels and Co, said the checks should be performed ahead of any wet weather.
“The main priority is lights, you definitely need working lights front and rear, and those lights need to not be flashing, they need to be on constant. You’ve got some other things for comfort, like mud guards, which you might want to consider, it makes riding in the rain a lot more comfortable.
“Then, of course, you’ve got your brakes. That’s the other very important thing. Getting a mechanic to check your pads and that your brakes are working correctly. After that, it’s more sort of the general mechanics, like the bearings on the wheels and the headset, and also, of course, the gears and the chain, your drivetrain on your bike is the main thing that will suffer wear, especially if it hasn’t been particularly well maintained.”
Mr Joyce was asked what advice he would give to someone who wasn’t yet convinced to get their bike checked.
“I would say, do it earlier, do it sooner rather than later. The wear on a bike, it kind of builds up.
“As your chain wears out, that creates more wear on the components it touches and connects with, and therefore your costs will go up the longer you leave it. So I would say, get the bike checks in early to keep your costs to a minimum.”
Matt Collas, the travel plan coordinator for Admiral Park Plaza, and committee member on GRUN, emphasised the importance of properly working equipment.
“Given the recent wet conditions we’ve had, being able to stop efficiently and quickly, and having your brakes working are probably the most important thing at this time of year, and obviously grip on your tires as well. That’s a big thing.
“So people might have summer tyres, and you might need more grippy winter tyres. People need to be ready for all conditions.”
Mr Collas explained that having the correct equipment, and having it checked for wet weather suitability could prevent a death on Guernsey’s road.
“A quick check with one of the bike shops in Guernsey could save a life. It could save your life, or could save someone else’s life. You’ve got to think ahead for these things and be prepared for all eventualities.”