'We were in awe of the amount of people that made this a special day' – Hundreds attend protest ride after two cyclists killed on planned route
Tragedy galvanises huge joint show of support, called Pass Wide and Slow from horse-riding and cycling communities
Last weekend, a protest ride took place in the south of England, carrying emotional significance after two local cyclists lost their lives on the route the previous week. Steven Anscomb, 60, and Natasha Lewis, 51, were struck and killed by a car on Sole Street near Gravesend on Sunday. A third cyclist was injured in the incident. A 22-year-old man has since been charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving.
In response to the tragedy, hundreds of cyclists, horse riders, and walkers attended an annual Pass Wide and Slow ride on Saturday. This road-safety campaign, initiated in 2015 by Debbie Smith, aims to educate drivers about the importance of treating cyclists, pedestrians, and equestrians with care and respect. Smith emphasized the campaign's significance in protecting vulnerable road users from unsafe overtaking.
During the ride, participants observed a two-minute silence at the location where the cyclists died, memorializing Anscomb and Lewis. Pass Wide and Slow has gained traction across Britain and beyond, with similar awareness rides held in Belgium, Australia, the United States, Canada, and New Zealand. Smith highlighted the campaign's focus on education, as drivers are encouraged to slow down, leave ample space when overtaking, and avoid sudden noises like revving or honking.
Tora Lorence, a Kent activist, explained that the ride was organized for the second time due to the tragic accident. Despite differences among participants, Lorence stressed the importance of education and patient behavior on the roads. She emphasized the potential dangers cyclists and pedestrians face, such as being jolted sideways at high speeds or swerving suddenly to avoid obstacles like potholes or stones.
Lorence was moved by the overwhelming support for the event, noting that the turnout surpassed expectations. She expressed gratitude for the outpouring of respect shown to the families of the victims and the cyclists who lost their lives.
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