TROWBRIDGE Cycling Club and Westbury Wheelers joined forces with Wiltshire Police for the Ride for Awareness of Cyclists Safety event.

The groups were joined by police chief constable Kier Pritchard, among others, for the ride, which started and finished at Trowbridge Town Park.

Ashley Hutchinson, owner of A&S Business Consultants in Trowbridge, came up with the idea for the ride following the recent two tragic deaths of cyclists along the Hilperton Road and Bulkington, in April and May respectively, and Sean Price of Westbury Wheelers supported the initiative from the start.

"I wasn’t sure if the idea would gain traction, but the support was there from Sean and Wiltshire police so the ball really started rolling," said Mr Hutchinson, after Saturday's ride (July 14).

"Making sure motorists know the rights of their fellow road users is important, and re-enforcing to cyclists to ride responsibly is part of the overall initiative.

"Given recent local accidents and how the video of the terrible incident from Yeovil Cycling Club has gone viral and reached national press there has never been a better time to to promote responsibility and safety on our roads."

Ashley and Sean were both delighted to hear Wiltshire police are now placing camera bikes on the road around Wiltshire with officers on hand to enforce close pass offences.

"The Close Pass Initiative in well known within cycling, and offers education and enforcement to drivers who drive irresponsibly on our roads" added Mr Hutchinson.