Phillips launches cycling road safety campaign

Since the West Indies versus the World cycling series began in 2001 Managing- Director of Phillips Promotions and Public Relations Officer Beacon Insurance Limited Michael Phillips has observed an upsurgence of the sport’s popularity around Trinidad and Tobago.

To this end Phillips has also seen a rise in incidences of vehicular accidents involving cyclists revealing a need for more road safety measures and increased public awareness of their presence on the road. Chaguaramas has attracted a steady stream of cycling enthusiasts and Phillips Promotions has teamed up with six sponsors including Beacon Insurance to make the area safer by planting caution signs along the roadway. In his address at the launch of the programme yesterday, Philips stated that it was time that Trinidad and Tobago looked at the bicycle differently, from the current perspective as a toy to the realisation of its capacity as an alternative mode of transport.

The passionate advocate noted that countries around the world have adopted this attitude toward the bicycle with road signs and bicycle lanes being utilised for the safety of cyclists. Phillips’ vision is for the programme to grow into a nationwide concern. He has revealed plans to train children in road safety and thanked the nation’s cyclists for distinguishing the discipline locally and internationally. Petal Baird of the Chaguaramas Development Association (CDA) congratulated Phillips Promotions on realising the benefits of their efforts and thanked the sponsors for aiding the initiative. Baird admonished motorists and cyclists to be aware of each other and act responsibly on the road while at the same time reminding motorists to observe the 50 km/h speed limit.

Adviser to the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Charles Branch pledged the ministry’s support of Phillips Promotions’ work with the youth and the cycling public. The six Chaguaramas road signs were sponsored at Republic Bank Limited, Angostura Limited, Signpost, Ojar’s Bike Inn, Mecalfab Limited and Millennium Rental. Located along the Western Main Road after the Bay Sports entrance, Airway and Macqueripe Road, Macqueripe Road opposite Tucker Bicycle Trail, opposite the Yacht Services Association, outside Calypso Marine and at the entrance to Morne Catherine the signs should ease the minds of cautious cyclists. Beacon Insurance has sponsored two signs, as has Guardian Life; Ojar’s Bike Inn have sponsored five signs; and Bermudez Biscuit Company, Caribbean Shipping Agencies Limited, Business Media Supplies Limited, Geronimo’s Cycle and Sports Limited, Sunburn Clothing Company and Cole and Associates have all sponsored one sign each.