Children from two schools in the North East have joined a police-backed campaign for better safety for cyclists across the region.

Pupils from Darlington’s West Park Academy and Blyton Primary School in South Shields have joined a campaign launched by Road Safety GB North East.

The campaign asks drivers to take a second look for cyclists, as statistics show that more than five hundred cyclists have been injured and sixteen have been killed in the region over the last five years.

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Learning about bike safety, pupils of both schools have taken part in Bikeability courses taught by their council about bike safety and the importance of wearing a helmet.

Road Safety GB North East Chairman Peter Slater has said we all “need to do more” to keep cyclists safe as the summer weather will see more cyclists out on the roads.

The Northern Echo: Pupils from West Park Academy, pictured L-R, with Darlington Borough Council’s Road Safety Support Officer Liz Hart, are Elliott, Alex, Felicity, Connie and Libby.Pupils from West Park Academy, pictured L-R, with Darlington Borough Council’s Road Safety Support Officer Liz Hart, are Elliott, Alex, Felicity, Connie and Libby. (Image: ROAD SAFETY GB NORTH EAST)

He said: “During the spring and summer, we see cyclist casualties increase, but the majority of collisions are preventable. If everyone was more alert, slowed down and gave each other space, a lot of collisions would be avoided.

“Drivers should always take a second look for cyclists, and they should look over their shoulder before pulling out to overtake or join traffic, or before opening their car door.

“Cyclists are vulnerable, so we all need to do more to keep them safe.”

Latest figures from Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland police show that while cyclists only make up 1% of miles travelled on roads, they account for 11% of casualties in the region.

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Statistics also revealed that for children involved in cycling accidents, 90% were not wearing a helmet at the time.

Sergeant Glen Robson, of Northumbria Police’s Operation Dragoon team, said: “We all have a responsibility to make our roads as safe as possible.

“Serious or fatal collisions can destroy lives and rip families apart – and quite often they are entirely preventable.”

Headteacher of Lord Blyton Primary School Joanne Atherton has said the school is “delighted” to support the campaign.

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She said: “Our children always enjoy the road safety workshops. They enjoy learning about safety on the road and the importance of wearing a helmet each and every time before taking a bike out.

“We are delighted to support the campaign and hope everyone looks out for others when they’re out on the roads.”