We are delighted that John Griffiths AM as Patron of our our Cycle Club, has opened his Winter road safety campaign with a mention of our Choir Cycle Club (Côr Meibion Caldicot Cycle Club) and has given us an opportunity to quote in the following Press Release
John Griffiths AM Assembly Member for Newport East
Aelod y Cynulliad dros Dwyrain Casnewydd For immediate release Friday 22nd November 2012
ASSEMBLY MEMBER ISSUES CYCLING SAFETY PLEA
As the weather gets worse and days get shorter, Newport East AM John Griffiths has issued a plea for all motorists and cyclists to be aware of cyclists and their safety to prevent accidents this winter.
Three high profile cycling accidents in the past couple of weeks have highlighted the issue. Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins was knocked off his bike, fellow Olympic cyclist Mark Cavendish collided with a van whilst training in Italy, and the Head Coach of British Cycling was injured in a serious accident.
John Griffiths, who is patron of the Côr Meibion Caldicot Cycle Club, run by members of Caldicot Male Voice Choir, wants all road users to be take care to increase cyclists safety. He said:
“I’m both a cyclist and a driver, and know that we all need to think about how to share our roads safety. Cyclists should check their bike is in good shape, like making sure their brakes are working, and use lights and clothes that make them visible on the road. But drivers need to think about cyclists on the road, particularly at junctions and when changing lanes, and make sure they drive safely.”
Lyn Gauntlett PRO. of CALDICOT MALE VOICE CHOIR is quoted as saying:
Cor Meibion Caldicot Cycle Club is happy to support any initiative which promotes a safer environment for all road users. We are all too aware of the terrible consequences brought about by a moment’s lapse in concentration, an increase in speed or even selfish behaviour on the part of some road users, cyclists included. Our newly formed club aims to promote a healthy, social atmosphere for all through organised cycling and would fully support John Griffiths’ plea for increased awareness of the needs of cyclists on our ever increasingly busy roads.
John Griffiths added:
“In the longer term we can plan roads and junctions that take into account safety for all road users, but if we all think about safe cycle use, and drivers keep a look out for cyclists, we can hopefully prevent some terrible accidents. We have had tragic deaths on the roads here in Newport, and we need to do what we can to make us all safer.”