Road Policing Division to carry out Operation Close Pass across north-east

Road Policing officers based in the north-east will be carrying out Operation Close Pass patrols during July and August to highlight cyclist safety.

This is the third year the initiative has been run locally; it involves an unmarked police cyclist working with colleagues to stop and deal with motorists who overtake too closely.

Officers will use a specially designed mat to show motorists how much space a pedal cyclist should be given.

The Highway Code states that motorists should give cyclists at least as much room as they would when overtaking a car.

Cyclists may suddenly need to avoid uneven road surfaces and obstacles such as drain covers or oily, wet or icy patches on the road.

Give them plenty of room and pay attention to any sudden change of direction they may have to make.

Sergeant Peter Henderson from the Road Policing Division in Inverurie said, “Running initiatives like Close Pass raises public awareness of an important road safety issue both by interacting with motorists and other members of the public at the roadside and by generating wider discussion on social media.

“It is imperative that all road users, including cyclists, are aware of their vulnerability irrespective what mode of transport they are using.

“When passing a cyclist, you should ensure that you allow sufficient time and distance to do so without compromising their safety; make sure you can see far enough ahead to know it is safe to complete the overtake.

“There is room for everyone on our roads and we all have a right to be there.

"We encourage all road users to show consideration and respect for the safety of each other as we all have a duty to make our roads a safer place.”