Pass Wide and Slow awareness ride to happen near Worcester

Caroline Rushton, from Worcester, has invited other to join her on the roads surrounding Hanley Swan, near Malvern, at 10.30am on Sunday (September 15) as part of the national Pass Wide and Slow campaign.

The campaign is designed to encourage drivers to pass horse riders safely on the road, and riders will be joined by walkers and cyclists.

Mrs Rushton, who regularly rides her horse near Hanley Swan, said: "We still get some idiots on these roads.

"My friend had an incident on Welland Road where there were three horses and a driver decided to overtake them on a blind spot.

"A car was coming the opposite way, and so they ended up clipping the back of a horse's leg when they pulled back in.

"I believe the driver got a fine and had to go on a course, but I don't think it's strong enough.

"There have been plenty of reports around the country of horses dying as a result of these incidents - and even the rider occasionally.

"The majority of drivers are respectful, but some still don't think."

The ride will begin on Gilbert's End and move east to join the B4209 before heading into Hanley Swan for a brief stop in front of The Swan Inn on the way to Welland Road.

Mrs Rushton added: "There are around 250 of these rides happening across the country across September and I only arranged this around a month ago.

"Lots of people have shown an interest in joining us already and we'll all be wearing high-vis clothing during the ride."

Worcestershire County councillor Tom Wells, whose ward is Powick, said: "Horse riders have the right to use the local roads just as anyone else does.

"It's important that all road users understand how vulnerable they are on horseback.

"Drivers will sometimes begin accelerating too soon when they pass them, spooking the horses.

"We are always keen, where possible, to look at alternatives to driving a car.

"The county council needs to be supportive of all active travel options, including those on horseback."