FED-UP horse riders who have been campaigning for safer conditions whilst using Barnsley’s roads have submitted a petition in order to make motorists think twice about the two-metre distancing rule.
Julie Fields embarked on an awareness campaign after it was revealed that two horses - one in Wombwell and one in South Hiendley - have died in the last two years having been struck by cars.
Julie’s joined a growing cyclist-led movement about the dangers of the so-called two-metre rule, which is meant to act as a safety cushion which motorists must legally adhere to when passing a horse or a cyclist.
She’s started a petition in a bid to force change and hopes the rise in calls from the two groups of road users will spur the government to commit to a TV road safety campaign to reinforce the importance of safe distancing.
“We feel the Highway Code updates haven’t gone far enough for vulnerable road users,” she told the Chronicle.
“We believe the two-metre distance when passing cyclists, horse riders or carriage drivers cannot be proven.
“We also feel the police do not enforce the code and we are not taken seriously enough when reporting incidents.
“We’re therefore urging the government to review the Highway Code to reconsider imposing greater legal protections, as well as funding a national awareness campaign on TV to educate the public.
“Two cyclists have been killed on our local roads in the last year and two horses have been killed since last February.”
Changes to the Highway Code were brought in three years ago, which resulted in drivers being told to pass horses at no more than 10mph and with two metres of space.
However, they claim it’s often being ignored, leading the petition to be formed.
A motion - first submitted in May - is making its way through Parliament to improve safety for horse riders.
A government spokesperson added: “We acknowledge the vital role of horses in rural communities but note with deep concern that in 2024 alone, 3,100 road incidents involving horses were reported to the British Horse Society.
“One-third of these incidents involve road rage or abuse directed at the rider and this highlights the lack of public awareness around the 2022 changes to the Highway Code, including Rule 163, which advises drivers to pass horses at no more than 10mph and a minimum distance of two metres.”
Barnsley North MP Dan Jarvis told the Chronicle that horse riders deserve to use the roads in safety.
“I have raised the issue of drivers passing too closely to horses both locally and nationally, engaging with the police, local councillors and a government minister.
“The enforcement of the law on close passing rightly rests with the police and they have my full support in keeping riders safe, protecting horses and apprehending dangerous drivers.”
His Barnsley South colleague, MP Stephanie Peacock, said: “Julie does so much to support the local horse-riding community in and around Barnsley, and my office have been pleased in being able to help by securing safe pass signs in and around Shafton to warn drivers of potential riders.
“It is really important that riders feel that both themselves and their horses are safe when out in their local area.
“Julie is a passionate campaigner for this cause and I know the horse-riding community appreciate all her hard work.
“I am happy to support her whenever I can.”
