Devon County Council has launched a new campaign to ensure its roads and shared paths remain a ‘pleasant environment’ for all users this summer.
As more people return to work and more visitors travel to Devon, the council says roads and walking and cycling routes are getting busier again.
The ‘Share this Space’ campaign calls on drivers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians to be courteous and considerate in order to reduce potential conflict or collisions.
The campaign asks drivers and motorcyclists to give vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and horse-riders, extra space (two metres if possible) when passing them – while being aware of the possibility of pedestrians stepping into the road for social distancing.
Cyclists are encouraged to pass walkers slowly and carefully, with pedestrians urged to check for traffic if they are stepping into the road.
The campaign toolkit, which includes films, animations and graphics for social media, can be found on Devon County Council’s dedicated Share this Space webpage.
Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highway management, said: “Many of us have changed our travel habits because of the pandemic lockdown, whether it’s using the car less if you’re able to work from home, or walking and cycling more for exercise or your commute.
“For some of us, those changes may continue, but with more people now out and about we want to make sure Devon’s roads and shared paths are a pleasant environment for everyone.
“We can all play our part to be courteous and considerate, and we’re encouraging everyone to be alert, be patient and be nice! Hopefully, giving each other that little bit more time and extra space can help to reduce potential conflict or collisions.”
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