A GROUP of horse riders from Cheshire will be setting out on a ride this weekend to raise awareness of the safety issues they face due to reckless motorists.

The route, which will take the group from Collinge Farm in Backford along Rake Lane to Rake Hall on September 18, will see around 30 riders with more on foot carrying banners displaying the 'Pass Wide and Slow' message.

Police are expected to accompany the riders with Chester MP Chris Matheson due to meet the group at Rake Hall.

One of the event's organisers, Louise Roberts from Ellesmere Port, was involved in a collision with a car whilst riding her horse on Rake Lane and feels that it is only a matter of time before such an incident is fatal.

Louise said: "I was involved in a collision and whilst neither myself or the horse was hurt, mentally it was awful.

"The car skidded and collided with my horse and then drove off, saying a few expletives. [The driver] really wasn't going to stop and help.

"Luckily I managed to phone someone from the yard to come and help me."

Louise said that the experience was almost enough to make her quit horse riding, but she hopes by raising awareness of the laws protecting vulnerable road users, she and others will be able to continue doing what they enjoy.

"It is 10mph to pass a horse, and we don't get that. Without that, somebody is going to die on Rake Lane.

"All we're asking for is a bit of respect. Pass wide and slow, we're not asking you to stop, that's not what we want. Just be cautious, it's much easier to control the horse if you pass at 10 miles an hour.

"We've had so many near misses."

The group will be arriving at Rake Hall by around 10.30am, if members of the public would like to show their support.

The latest version of the Highway Code, rule 215, requires motorists not only to pass wide and slow when approaching horse riders, but specifically at no more than 10 miles per hour and at a distance of no less than 2 metres.