Isabel Rodríguez calls on pedestrians and cyclists of the Camino de Santiago to become visible on the roads when they travel the route

The deputy delegate participated in the distribution of reflective vests and informative brochures to remind who circulates by bicycle or on foot of the importance of becoming visible at all times for the other users of the road “Over 250,000 pilgrims circulate annually on the Lucan roads, so we will not stop working for the proper use of the roads both by vulnerable users and other drivers.” In 2023 there were only two bicycle accidents with victims, which were slightly injured

The subdelegate of the Government in Lugo, Isabel Rodríguez, called today in Portomarín to extreme the precautions of peons and cyclists who transit through the roads of the province during the Camino de Santiago in order to guarantee road safety. Isabel Rodríguez, accompanied by the director of the Provincial Traffic Headquarters, *Ángel Álvarez, and agents of the Traffic Group of the Civil Guard, participated this morning in the awareness action carried out by the Government in LU-633, as it passed through the municipality of Portomarín, with which reflective vests and informative brochures were distributed to pilgrims to remind who rides by bicycle or on foot of the importance of becoming visible at all times to the other users of the road.

The subdelegate highlighted the importance of this initiative in the province of Lugo through three Xacobe routes declared World Heritage of Humanity: the Northern Way, the Primitive Way and the French Way. “More than 250,000 pilgrims circulate annually on Portuguese roads, so we will not stop working for the proper use of the roads by both vulnerable users and other drivers, along with the application of preventive factors and respect for traffic rules, as they are the best allies to avoid road accidents and their consequences,” he said.

In addition, Isabel Rodríguez explained that this event coincides with the eve of World Bicycle Day, declared by the United Nations (UN), to draw attention to the benefits of this simple, affordable, healthy and environmentally sustainable means of transport.

Accident data
During 2022, there were 17 accidents involving cyclists (2 of them with hospitalized wounded and the rest less considered), as well as 11 atrocities (1 fatal, 3 with hospitalized wounded and the rest not hospitalized).

Our main cause of bicycle accidents was not to respect one of the vehicles as a priority of the other. At least last year in the province, in most cases it was not the cyclist who performed the wrong maneuver. But two falls due to the cyclist being under the influence of alcohol also attract attention, so it should be remembered that it is also prohibited and it is punishable – as well as very dangerous – to cycle with a rate higher than 0.25 mg/l of alcohol in expired air.

So far this year, only two bicycle accidents occurred with victims, who were slightly injured. All in all, in 2018, 2019 and 2021 cyclists did die on the roads of the province. The data regarding the pawns is also encouraging: this year there has not yet been any deadly attack. And we still say because it is a constant in the province, since time immemorial, that peons run over and die every year. Only with the caution and commitment of all can we change this reality.

Security Tips
For cyclists:

• When there is no specific track for cyclists, always move along the right side or, if it is not passable and sufficient, the essential part of the track.
• It is allowed to run in parallel, in rows of two on the road, rolling as far as possible to the right of the road. On the other hand, in sections without visibility (such as corves) and when they form agglomerations, it is not possible to move in parallel and cyclists must be placed in a row.
• Use the approved protection case. It is mandatory except for prolonged rises, extreme heat and for medical reasons justified by certificate. Even so, whenever possible, it is advisable to carry it.
• Use reflective elements and lights: at night or with poor visibility is mandatory, but it is advisable to wear them always: they will help to attract attention and be perceived before.
• Marking the manoeuvres in time, not using headphones or mobile phones and not getting started, alcohol was taken, as the bicycle drivers are subject to the same rates as the others.

For pedestrians:

• On the road, the lack of a pedestrian zone, there is a roadside, you will walk along it, and if it does not exist, you will circulate along the road, as close as possible to the edge. If there are several people, they must go one after the other, in a row.
• It must be circulated on the left, in order to be able to see in front of the approaching vehicles. It will only be circulated on the right if under any circumstances the road or traffic is easier or safer.
• Use the reflective vest: it is mandatory at night or with poor visibility but always recommended, as it helps drivers to realize before the presence of the pawn. It is the difference between being seen at 30 meters or more than 150 meters.

For motor vehicle drivers:

• Keep the distance of at least 1.5 meters when a pawn or cyclist is in advance.
• Adapt the speed to the circumstances of the road and traffic, always taking into account the visibility we have, so that we have room to perform any manoeuvre safely.
• Keep your attention permanently on the road: 20 or 30 meters are more than enough space to take us in front of a cyclist or a pawn to which we do not come. And that distance can be traveled in less than two seconds.