Tauranga horse owners are saddling up this Sunday to ride in solidarity with equestrians across the world to promote life-saving road safety messages this month.
On September 13 and 14 Kiwi horse riders and carriage drivers – along with riders in the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, Western Australia and the United States – will ride to collectively raise awareness on how other road users should safely approach and pass a horse.
Tauranga Adult Riding Club, Greerton Pony Club and Racing Tauranga riders would collectively hold the Tauranga Pass Wide and Slow Awareness Ride event in Greerton this Sunday, September 14, starting at 10.30am.
The route is from Greerton Racecourse, along Pooles Rd, Greerton Rd, Chadwick Rd, Hynds Rd and back to the racecourse. The organisers will have marshals on foot and signage in place along the route to ensure the safety of horse riders and road users.
Greerton Pony Club president Gabby Cardey said the “powerful international movement” aimed to raise awareness about the importance of passing horses wide and slow on roads.
“Every year, riders across the country face dangerous situations simply because drivers aren’t aware of how to safely share the road with horses.”
She said this ride was a statement.
“By taking part, you’re helping us send a clear message to the public: Our lives and our horses’ lives matter.”
Horse riders and their animals, plus walkers and marshals would participate in Sunday’s event and Cardey said anyone was welcome to get involved – whether they rode a horse, walked in support or helped as a marshal.
Horse riders and carriage drivers across Aotearoa New Zealand will ride in solidarity with equestrians across the world this month to promote a life saving road safety message.
“The more people we have on the day, the louder our voice will be.”
Pass Wide and Slow NZ (PWASNZ) founder Julia McLean said horse riders were vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.
“Yet, until the creation of the permanent road safety platform – Pass Wide and Slow NZ – there has been little to no road safety education for this road user group,” she said.
“PWASNZ rides will take place in close to 30 communities across the motū, with a focus on sharing the message to pass wide and slow – kia tūpato kia āta haere, and ‘being seen’ in high vis.”
Visibility was important so all participants would need to wear hi-vis attire.
Police Superintendent and director of road policing Steve Greally said police continued to encourage all road users to acknowledge shared responsibility to keep everyone safe on the roads.
“PWASNZ’s efforts to educate and raise awareness of safe and respectful behaviours when travelling past horses and riders is one police continues to support.
“Police have an ongoing commitment to reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads and ensuring every road user, including equestrians, remain safe on roads right throughout the country.”
Tauranga City Council and Greerton police had been notified of the event – and organisers said no formal traffic management plan was required due to horses being legally allowed on the road if they kept left in single file.
To participate in the Pass Wide and Slow awareness ride, register at: https://form.jotform.com/252312142698052