
'Close pass' drivers offered education by police
The Highway Code says vehicle users should leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds.The operation involves a police cyclist heading out on the roads. Any cars who overtake dangerously are then pulled over by officers who speak to them about safe passing.Two exercises have taken place recently - one at Shipley fire station, and another in the Ilkley area, where police stopped six road users.Sgt Wilkinson said the aim was not necessarily to punish people, but instead have a conversation."This is far more the preferable option - rather than either doing nothing or perhaps overzealously prosecuting in people's eyes or worse still having to deal with the aftermath of a collision," he said.
Earlier this year, female cyclists told the BBC they did not feel safe on the roads.In 2022 the Highway Code was updated and the hierarchy of road users was clarified to make sure the priority was given to vulnerable road users, which includes cyclists.Data from Department of Transport found vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, accounted for 35% of all casualties in 2023 in West Yorkshire.West Yorkshire Police are utilising new mats to demonstrate the distance drivers should allow to pass a cyclist safely.
Of the 3,561 cyclist close passes reviewed by the Op SNAP team between April 2024 and April 2025 they actioned 2,547 of those for process (course, fixed penalty or court).West Yorkshire Police will be running more operations around the Bradford district across the summer.
Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
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