FOLLOWING the tragic death of two local Blood Bikes Wales volunteers within months, a petition on Change.org urging for a simple change to increase their visibility on the road has attracted over 1,800 signatures.

On New Year’s Day, 61-year-old Hayscastle farmer and local Street Pastor Andrew Rogers died in hospital from serious injuries sustained in a collision on the A48 between Carmarthen and Cross Hands, Carmarthenshire on December 29.

It followed the death of Timothy Minett, 78, in a crash on the A478 near Crymych. It was on July 2, 2025, just six months earlier.

“Grant permission for Blood Bikers to use green lights” urges the petition. Under this headline its author, Blood Biker Louise Hunt, explains:

“As a dedicated Blood Biker, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges we face on the roads while performing our voluntary duties. Recently, a fellow Blood Biker tragically lost their life on duty, marking the second such incident in the past few months. Prior to these incidents a blood biker sadly lost his life on shift in Lancashire. This is not just a personal loss, but a loss for the entire community that relies on us for rapid medical transport.

“Blood Bikers play a crucial role in the healthcare system by providing free out-of-hours transportation services for blood, organs, and other vital medical supplies. Our work can mean the difference between life and death, yet our visibility on the roads is alarmingly limited. This limited visibility increases the risk of accidents, endangering our lives and hampering our ability to serve those in need.

“One simple yet effective solution is granting permission for Blood Bikers to use green emergency lights on their motorcycles. Much like the way ambulances and police vehicles are easily spotted with blue lights, green lights would enhance our visibility significantly. According to road safety studies, the use of high-visibility lights can reduce the risk of road accidents by up to 60 per cent. Ensuring our motorcycles are equipped with green lights would greatly reduce the chances of further tragic incidents.

“Implementing this change requires support from the Department of Transport and local governing bodies. We urge the officials to recognise the vital role blood bikers play and consider this small but impactful change to ensure our safety on the road.

Comments on the petition include one from Hook, Pembrokeshire: “The Blood Bikers are an amazing volunteer team that help 365 days with the NHS. Two local blood bikers have lost their lives whilst on duty recently and doing extra things to the motorcycles may help any future incidents.”

Another supporter has written: “Green light is the absolute minimum. After losing two volunteers locally from Pembrokeshire I think they should be allowed to use Blue!”

Louise concludes: “Please lend your support by signing this petition to advocate for our safety and enhance our ability to save lives. Your signature can prompt a necessary change to protect those who selflessly give their time and effort to protect others. Together, we can make a difference.”