HORSE riders are to march through the streets of Machynlleth to highlight road safety issues.

The march is being organised by Llanwrin resident Mike Mills and his daughter Keri, who had previously produced awareness leaflets about the dangers around horses which were used as part of a national safety campaign.

Mike said the march in Machynlleth in May will be one of many across Wales and England showing support for the Pass Wide and Slow campaign.

He said: “In May this year I am organising an awareness ride for the Pass Wide and Slow campaign to raise awareness on safely passing horses on the road.

“The awareness ride will consist of about 20 horses walking down Machynlleth High Street from the industrial estate on the Forge Road and head towards the high school and back to the industrial estate.

“We want to give advice to other road users, not only motor vehicles, but cyclists as well, on the best practice when passing horses on the road.

“There are various march rides on this date through Wales and England supporting the Pass Wide and Slow campaign.

“Last year in the UK there were many road collisions between cars and horses. In Sychnant Pass in north Wales a horse died due to a collision; in Devon a 12-year-old girl was thrown off and her horse sustained a broken leg due to a speeding driver who failed to stop; in south Wales a horse-drawn funeral cortege had a collision with a motor vehicle, with one horse killed.”

Keri was praised after her leaflet, which she completed for a school English project, was used to publicise the safety campaign across the UK.

Mike said they were both big supporters of the campaign.

He said: “My daughter Keri and I are keen supporters of the Pass Wide and Slow campaign and Keri has produced a leaflet designed as part of an English homework assignment last year, giving guidance to drivers when they meet a horse on the road.

“So far 2,000 have been distributed around the country to companies, individuals, driving instructors and the police.”