The Council has organised a number of events across Rhondda Cynon Taf next week, in support of national Road Safety Week – with the 2019 theme ‘Step Up for Safe Streets’ focusing on safe and healthy journeys.
From November 18-24, national road safety charity Brake is coordinating the UK’s biggest road safety event, and it will promote and celebrate design-led solutions that help make our journeys safer and keep residents healthy, fit and happy.
Here in Rhondda Cynon Taf, the Council is once again supporting Road Safety Week, with its dedicated road safety team hosting events in schools and communities to promote the ‘Step Up to Safe Streets’ message.
Throughout the week, there will be ‘Kerbcraft’ sessions in around 10 local primary schools. This initiative, funded by Welsh Government, teaches pupils in Year 2 about basic and essential skills on how to stay safe as pedestrians – including safely crossing a road. The training will look closely at the principles of the Green Cross Code, and will show the children how to put the safety tips into practice as they are out and about in their local communities.
Pupils at Pontygwaith Primary and Aberdare Park Primary schools will also receive national standards cycle training during the week.
On Tuesday evening (November 19) the Council is delivering its latest Pass Plus Cymru course at Pontypridd Fire Station, while a fully-booked ‘drive safer for longer’ course will take place on Friday (November 22). This dedicated course is aimed at refreshing the driving skills for the over-60s.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways, said: “I’m pleased the Council is again supporting Brake’s annual Road Safety Week this November. We need to help people stay safe as motorists and pedestrians. Our road safety officers will be working closely with residents of all ages across the County Borough, with Green Cross Code and cycling training in schools, along with dedicated sessions to refresh the driving skills of people aged 60 and over.
“The theme of Road Safety Week 2019 seeks to encourage everyone to play a part in the design and creation of a future where everyone can get around in safe and healthy ways, every day. The Council fully-supports Active Travel, and is committed to maximising pedestrian and cycle provision in its major Highways schemes, as well as providing more opportunities for cyclists and pedestrians to travel safely through local community improvements.
“The Council has recently received approval from Welsh Government for its Integrated Network Plan – which outlines the Active Travel provision we want to create in the next 15 years. This is available to view on the Council website.
“I hope everyone taking part in Road Safety Week 2019 in Rhondda Cynon Taf enjoys the activities, which are designed to help the participants remain safe within their local communities.”
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