MOUNTED police officers are highlighting the issue of road safety for motorists and horse riders across the Ribble Valley.

As part of the campaign, a group of officers along with police horses Elswick and Freckleton accompanied riders from the borough on a ride out in Read, Simonstone and Sabden, offering advice to road users seen not to be respecting horses and their riders on the road.

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The rides come after two riders were injured last year and a horse died.

A number of car drivers were requested to slow down in Whalley Road heading towards Sabden, an area which riders often report to police.

Several motorcyclists were also given strong words of advice for travelling at speed along the same section of road as they were travelling towards the blind bend, also near Sabden.

Officers are planning to repeat the ride out exercise in the Ribble Valley with a local riding club in the coming weeks.

PCSO Di Bioletti from the Sabden, Read, Simonstone and Wiswell Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We want all road users to respect the rules of the road and each other so that the roads are safe to use for everyone.

“In November last year, two riders were injured - one seriously, a horse died and another horse was injured in a road traffic collision in the Ribble Valley.

“Riders in the area are reporting near misses and collisions, mainly as a result of motorists not slowing down sufficiently to allow for the fact that they are passing an animal whose instinct is to react, sometimes excessively and unpredictably, to perceived dangers.

“As a driver and horse rider myself, I understand how both riders and motorists can behave to respect each other to prevent any undue stress to horses and ultimately, to prevent potential accidents.

“I must point out that during our recent ride out and in general, the vast majority of drivers are courteous and considerate around horse riders and we would like to take the opportunity thank those drivers for helping to keep the roads safe.”

Ribble Valley Borough Councillor Mary Robinson, said: “There are a lot of riders in the Ribble Valley so therefore we need to make sure that the are safe.

“I have always found them to be sensible and safe but you have to also make sure that motorists are too.

“It’s good that they are doing something about it and I hope it makes a difference.”