Engaging With Communities
Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Road Safety Team is out and about in local communities undertaking a busy programme of activities to promote Road Safety Week 2018.
During the week road users are being encouraged to be to be ‘Bike Smart’, helping to increase safety for cyclists and motorcyclists.
The week started at the Asda store in Aberdare, where the Road Safety Team were joined by staff from GoSafe - The Wales Road Casualty Reduction Partnership and the Council’s Parking Enforcement team to deliver important road safety messages and to answer questions from the public.
On Tuesday, Pass Plus Cymru was held at Pontypridd Fire Station, where motorists aged 17-25 who have recently passed their driving tests received further advice about driving safely.
On Wednesday, the Road Safety Team will deliver Kerbcraft training at various schools across Rhondda Cynon Taf. This initiative, which is funded by the Welsh Government, teaches Year 2 pupils essential skills on staying safe when near or crossing the road. The training will take place in the communities around the schools, allowing the children to put the safety tips into practice.
As well as continuing with Kerbcraft at schools, on Thursday 22 November, the Road Safety Team will deliver National Standard Cycle Training to pupils, equipping them with the skills needed to travel more actively and safely ride a bike to school, work and for leisure purposes.
Friday, November 23 – The Road Safety Team will carry out the ‘Drive Safer for Longer’ course, aimed at drivers aged 60 and over. Participants will spend the morning talking to road safety professionals and Approved Driving Instructors in a friendly environment, with the aim of maintain their skills and confidence while using the roads.
Cllr Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways, said, “Once again the Council is supporting Road Safety Week, and in 2018 our dedicated Road Safety Officers are teaming up with partner organisations and engaging with different groups across the County Borough – to help residents stay safe as motorists and pedestrians in their local communities.
“Road Safety Week 2018 sees the return of two types of session which have been successful for a number of years – delivering road safety tips to pupils in schools, as well as ‘Drive Safer for Longer’ courses for older motorists.
“Brake’s theme this year has a focus on improving road safety for cyclists - and this is increasingly important as we rightly encourage more and more people to cycle, through an increased Active Travel provision. The cycle sessions in our schools are always very popular with the young people, and they will once again return as part of Road Safety Week 2018.”