Motorists have been issued a renewed warning to be careful when driving near cyclists following a police operation.
Officers from Norfolk Constabulary have called on drivers to give cyclists enough space when overtaking them, reminding them of Highway Code rules.
It comes after officers carried out a “Close Pass” road safety operation in Thetford to raise awareness of the risks faced by cyclists.
Officers in plain clothes ride bikes to identify motorists who fail to leave enough room when overtaking too closely.
Drivers often make use of so-called “left-hook” manoeuvres, which involve overtaking the cyclist and turning left across their path.
The officers are equipped with cameras to capture evidence of potential driving offences relating to being too close to a cyclist.
Evidence is then analysed and sent to uniformed officers on motorcycles positioned within the operational area to stop the vehicle involved.
Motorists are offered the opportunity to take part in a roadside educational intervention, unless a more serious offence has taken place.
Motorists are able to decline this offer, although they will be issued with a Traffic Offence Report, which could include careless or inconsiderate driving.
The educational session is designed to outline how drivers have been careless or inconsiderate and remind them of the recommended guidelines.
A “Pass Mat” demonstration shows officers explaining the recommended overtaking distance, which involves at least 1.5 metres of clearance when passing a cyclist.
Inspector James Shepherd, from Norfolk Roads and Armed Policing Team, said: “Cyclists are among our most vulnerable road users, and drivers have a responsibility to give them sufficient space when overtaking.
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“These operations help raise awareness of the risks cyclists face and encourage safer driving behaviour.
“A little more patience and consideration can make a significant difference in preventing collisions and keeping everyone safe on Norfolk’s roads.”
The recent operation in Thetford saw eight motorists stopped for putting cyclists at risk during the hour-long monitoring session.
All eight drivers accepted the roadside education for close-pass overtakes, overtaking near junctions, and unsafe passing manoeuvres at junctions.
Rule 163 of the Highway Code explains that motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles should be given as much room as would be given when overtaking a vehicle.
When overtaking a cyclist, drivers 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.
Extra care and space should be given around these vulnerable road users in bad weather, especially in strong winds, and at night.
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