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Horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians conquer rain for Burton’s successful second Ride 72 demo calling on drivers to Pass Wide & Slow




TWENTY-five horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians braved heavy downpours for a special parade raising awareness of vulnerable road users.

Sunday’s Ride 72 event in Burton – part of a nationwide series of events for the Pass Wide & Slow initiative – was led in its second year by founder and local parish councillor Jodie Sloane.

The demonstration covered around 5km, taking in the village’s outskirts and the two main routes through it.

The Ride 72 demonstration was part of a nationwide initiative called Pass Wide & Slow (picture: Craig Musgrove)
The Ride 72 demonstration was part of a nationwide initiative called Pass Wide & Slow (picture: Craig Musgrove)
The Ride 72 demonstration was part of a nationwide initiative called Pass Wide & Slow (picture: Craig Musgrove)
The Ride 72 demonstration was part of a nationwide initiative called Pass Wide & Slow (picture: Craig Musgrove)

Jodie praised participants and all those who helped make the event possible for not allowing the rain to dampen their spirits.

“A big thank you to the 11 brave horses/riders, eight cyclists, six walkers who turned out, some local, some from afar! All doing their bit to publicise our safety on the roads,” the campaigner said.

A series of near-misses and collisions with vehicles involving herself and others had prompted Jodie to launch the event last year.

The Ride 72 demonstration was part of a nationwide initiative called Pass Wide & Slow (picture: Craig Musgrove)
The Ride 72 demonstration was part of a nationwide initiative called Pass Wide & Slow (picture: Craig Musgrove)
The Ride 72 demonstration was part of a nationwide initiative called Pass Wide & Slow (picture: Craig Musgrove)
The Ride 72 demonstration was part of a nationwide initiative called Pass Wide & Slow (picture: Craig Musgrove)

It also followed changes to the Highway Code that January, saying motorists should leave a width of at least two metres when overtaking horse riders and pedestrians and one-and-a-half metres when passing cyclists.

Morale was boosted on Sunday by 1st Burton Scouts providing hot drinks, as well as bacon and sausage baps, to keep everyone warm.

Jodie’s fellow parish councillor David Flagg was on hand to wave off the participants, and the council provided high-vis tabards for those who turned up without.

There was also a prize raffle at the Hinton Admiral Estate-sponsored event, with prizes donated by local businesses.

The Ride 72 demonstration was part of a nationwide initiative called Pass Wide & Slow (picture: Sarah Weston)
The Ride 72 demonstration was part of a nationwide initiative called Pass Wide & Slow (picture: Sarah Weston)
The Ride 72 demonstration was part of a nationwide initiative called Pass Wide & Slow (picture: Sarah Weston)
The Ride 72 demonstration was part of a nationwide initiative called Pass Wide & Slow (picture: Sarah Weston)

Hailing the event a success, Jodie said: “I’m pleased to report all motorists behaved excellently.

“We had plenty of smiles and thank yous, fellow villagers coming out of their houses to show their support even in the pouring rain.

“Remember there are three brains in each situation – you, the motorist, the horse rider and horse!” Jodie continued.

“Let’s keep our roads a safe place and pass wide & slow. We don’t choose to use the roads but we have to.”



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