It is time to bring back the effective road safety police officers.
It appears that the Thames Valley Police campaign Operation Bike (October 12, above) will be ineffective, issuing tickets to cyclists who openly admit they don’t know the basic rules of the road. The main message they appear to be promoting is the need to wear a helmet and bright clothing but no offer of training.
How come car drivers have to attend training and awareness training for faulty driving?
These ongoing problems regarding unskilled cyclists will only improve with the revival of traditional values – return the police safety officers. The police role should be to prevent and deter people from having accidents or behaving irresponsibly.
Adequate training opportunities enable everyone to understand and hopefully make the right choices. The amount spent on police officers taking this important role will save money regarding accidents.
The time spent now ensuring all schoolchildren and also older folk who have not benefited from this service will give them the understanding of the positioning on the road, road signs and road layouts. It is also important to encourage manners, courtesy and patience required for lifelong safety on the roads whichever mode of transport they may choose.
ELAINE BENNETT
Marston Road Oxford
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