Maria Miller MP has launched Basingstoke Road Safety week which runs from 17th to 23rd November. The week focuses on raising awareness of cyclists and motorcyclists on our roads as well as the importance of driver and pedestrian safety. Maria launched the campaign at Headway’s Basingstoke Headquarters.

Maria commented” I wanted to launch the campaign at Headway Basingstoke because they deal with the consequences of road accidents on a daily basis. Motorcyclists and cyclists are acutely aware of the importance of being visible on the roads. We need drivers to be extra vigilant too as the dark winter evenings draw in. The AA are supporting Basingstoke Road Safety Week, giving out free ”Think Bike!” stickers to remind drivers to check for bikes before overtaking or pulling out.”

The staff at Headway emphasised the importance of wearing helmets to prevent brain injury which is irreversible. Gary Langron, from Winklebury Cycles, who was also at the launch, also reinforced this with his slogan “Get ahead -get a hat!”

Maria has set up an online survey asking Basingstoke residents what they think about cycle helmets. Following a campaign led by Headway UK, it is now law in Jersey for all children to wear helmets when cycling. Maria added “I wanted residents to tell me what they think of this law and encourage everyone to take part in my survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/C5VMR8Z

Maria has written to schools in Basingstoke asking them to take part in the campaign and also take part in her survey.  She said, "Schools often voice their concerns to me regarding Road Safety. With faster and more powerful cars and bikes on the road, schools and parents are particularly concerned about children crossing roads on the way to school. Several years ago before I was an MP, I ran a campaign with the AA and Texaco “Children should be seen and not hurt.” This is still very much at the top of my agenda.”