Protect Heathfield's bike riders
Wintry roads and inconsiderate drivers can be a deadly combination. Izzy Mortimer urges everyone to take extra care on their journeys to school.
I am in a minority of students at Heathfield Community College who are unable to drive, be driven, get public transport or walk. For students to whom these luxuries are not available , the only option is to travel by smaller and slower transportation such as bicycles and mopeds.
People are often oblivious to the dangers that come as a consequence to these forms of transportation. People who ride mopeds are generally aged sixteen and may be inexperienced with hazards that may face them on their journey to school. Smaller vehicles are more vulnerable to rough road surfaces, potholes, diesel spills and wet conditions; the winter season often brings ice to Heathfield’s country lanes, especially in the mornings. These conditions are likely to make riders feel quite anxious and drivers of larger vehicles may not always experience this feeling.
I know what you’re thinking: how does this relate to me? Well, in my opinion, I think other drivers bring the most stress to riders on the road! Drivers are prone to overtaking bikes and mopeds on corners and blind bends which is dangerous. An overtaking manoeuvre confines you to the left side of the road so if you turn and come across something hazardous on the road, it is likely to be unavoidable. This could cause an accident, affecting the rider and the driver.
So, what can you do to help? If you are a Sixth Former like me, you can be more cautious if you come across bicycles and mopeds when you drive. If you are in years 7-11, you can speak to your parents, carers or older family members about being more considerate of the dangers that face riders.
Christmas is a stressful time for riders because the roads are busier and the weather affects the road conditions. So, if everyone is more considerate of riders, we can help make the roads a safer place for everyone - now and in the future!
Izzy Mortimer, Year 12
I am in a minority of students at Heathfield Community College who are unable to drive, be driven, get public transport or walk. For students to whom these luxuries are not available , the only option is to travel by smaller and slower transportation such as bicycles and mopeds.
People are often oblivious to the dangers that come as a consequence to these forms of transportation. People who ride mopeds are generally aged sixteen and may be inexperienced with hazards that may face them on their journey to school. Smaller vehicles are more vulnerable to rough road surfaces, potholes, diesel spills and wet conditions; the winter season often brings ice to Heathfield’s country lanes, especially in the mornings. These conditions are likely to make riders feel quite anxious and drivers of larger vehicles may not always experience this feeling.
I know what you’re thinking: how does this relate to me? Well, in my opinion, I think other drivers bring the most stress to riders on the road! Drivers are prone to overtaking bikes and mopeds on corners and blind bends which is dangerous. An overtaking manoeuvre confines you to the left side of the road so if you turn and come across something hazardous on the road, it is likely to be unavoidable. This could cause an accident, affecting the rider and the driver.
So, what can you do to help? If you are a Sixth Former like me, you can be more cautious if you come across bicycles and mopeds when you drive. If you are in years 7-11, you can speak to your parents, carers or older family members about being more considerate of the dangers that face riders.
Christmas is a stressful time for riders because the roads are busier and the weather affects the road conditions. So, if everyone is more considerate of riders, we can help make the roads a safer place for everyone - now and in the future!
Izzy Mortimer, Year 12