Safety drive for cyclists from top officer

A Black Country policeman is spearheading a campaign to encourage drivers to consider the safety of cyclists.

Sgt Martin Hall has worked with Dudley Council's road safety and travel awareness team.

Cycling safety messages will be drawn on large boards near highways across the borough.

Keen cyclist Sgt Hall, who is based in Halesowen and has worked in the borough for more than 10 years, was inspired by a similar idea which has been used in New Zealand.

He worked with fellow members of Dudley's Cycle Forum, which meets every three months to discuss cycling issues, to get the boards designed and it is expected they will be seen on some of the borough's key commuter routes over the next three months.

Sgt Hall said: "I enjoy cycling as it's a great hobby and helps me to keep fit and it's also an important mode of transport for a number of our officers to patrol their areas.

"Cyclists can be vulnerable road users and I hope this campaign will remind drivers to be mindful of them at all times."

Councillor Angus Adams, cabinet member for transportation at Dudley Council, said: "Most road users, whether they are drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists or pedestrians, behave responsibly and this needs to be encouraged to create safer road conditions for walkers and cyclists.

Visit the website at www.dudley.gov.uk/roadsafety or call Wendy Howard on 01384 815432.