‘Be Nice, say Hi’ campaign urges cyclists to pass horses safely
A joint initiative launched by the British Horse Society (BHS) and Cycling UK is aimed at improving safety for riders and cyclists.
The “Be Nice, say Hi” campaign has been designed to raise awareness of “courtesy and consideration”, to help both groups ensure they pass each other safely, on and off roads.
It includes a downloadable leaflet and two short videos, encouraging cyclists to slow down and call a greeting when they encounter ridden horses, to give both equines and their riders a chance to react.
“By alerting the rider and horse to their presence, cyclists run less risk of the horse reacting, and reduce the risk of injury — not just to the rider and their horse, but also themselves,” a joint statement from the BHS and Cycling UK states.
The collaboration follows concern on all sides caused by a video released in May, showing a cyclist competing in a triathlon undertaking a horse and rider at high speed, which “demonstrated the need for better advice for people cycling on how to overtake horses safely”.
“Every time a cyclist encounters a horse, there are three brains involved: the cyclist’s, the rider’s and the horse’s,” said Cycling UK head of campaigns Duncan Dollimore.
“Many people aren’t familiar with horses, and there can be confusion on what they should do when overtaking on a bike. Cyclists may already know to pass wide and slow when it’s safe to do so – but they could still startle the horse unless the horse and rider are made aware of your presence.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
“Generally, if a cyclist startles a horse, it is due to simple lack of awareness that a horse needs more time to react, which is why Cycling UK is pleased to be helping the BHS promote the consideration and courtesy message of ‘Be nice, say Hi’.”
BHS director of safety Alan Hiscox said the BHS is “thrilled” to be working with Cycling UK.
Continues below…
Cyclist given lifetime ban following Windsor triathlon incident
One cyclist has been banned for life and another given a 12-month ban by event organisers following an undertaking incident
Outcry after cyclist ‘hits horse and rider’ during triathlon
Race organisers says there will be serious consequences for the individuals who undertook the horse rider
Horse injured as cyclists ‘flew past hurling abuse’
The cyclists ignored the riders’ requests to slow down, spooking both horses
“Both groups are vulnerable road users and will benefit from working together to share the roads,” he said. “We are encouraging riders to respond positively to cyclists who pass with consideration and reciprocate their courtesy.
“Horses are flight animals and may react to anything they are unsure of. By promoting the ‘Be nice, say Hi’ message, we hope more cyclists will appreciate the potential risk they pose. If all road users are considerate and mindful of one another we can reduce the number of incidents between horses, cyclists and vehicles”.
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.