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Warwickshire Road Safety Partnership is asking both cyclists and drivers to check their knowledge of the Highway Code to ensure they understand their responsibilities to share the road safely.
Inspector Si Paull said “There are many good drivers and experienced cyclists in Warwickshire who know and follow the Highway Code and we’d like everyone to follow their example.
“Good drivers are patient and wait behind a cyclist until it is safe to pass them. But we also receive reports from cyclists of drivers putting cyclists’ lives at risk by squeezing past when it is not safe to do so. This is not acceptable.
“Drivers should wait until the road is clear, there are no obstructions, and it is safe to pass and allow at least 1.5metres when overtaking a cyclist at speeds of up to 30mph, and more space at higher speeds.
“Knowing the 2022 updates to the Highway Code is really important so that all road users understand that they must consider each other and do what they can to safely share the space on the roads.”
Over the summer, some of our SNTs will be carrying out ‘Op Close Pass’ exercises to help educate drivers how to safely overtake cyclists. Op Close Pass uses plain clothes officers riding bicycles equipped with head cams. Any vehicles failing to leave an appropriate safety margin as they pass will be stopped and offered roadside education to explain the importance of allowing plenty of space when passing cyclists. However, in the most serious cases, drivers could be prosecuted for careless driving.
Guidance for drivers:-
Guidance for cyclists:-
Cyclists riding two abreast can be a subject of heated debate, but the updated Highway Code advises that cyclists may ride two abreast as long as they are considerate of other road users:
Highway Code Rule 66: …be considerate of the needs of other road users when riding in groups. You can ride two abreast and it can be safer to do so, particularly in larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders. Be aware of drivers behind you and allow them to overtake (for example, by moving into single file or stopping) when you feel it is safe to let them do so.
Although wearing a helmet isn’t a legal requirement, there are safety benefits to wearing one. You may also want to consider wearing bright clothing, and reflective goods as this can make a huge difference to your visibility especially when cycling at night or in the winter months. And remember it is a legal requirement to use cycle lights and reflectors between sunset and sunrise.
The public can help improve road safety in Warwickshire by reporting and submitting digital footage showing potential moving traffic offences to Warwickshire Police via Operation Snap. This can range from driving dangerously or carelessly to overtaking on solid white lines, using a mobile phone while driving, ignoring traffic lights or dangerous driving around other road users, such as horse riders and cyclists. Your submission will be reviewed by one of our road traffic police officers. Click here for more information https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/operationsnap
Please follow us on social media for more information and help us share road safety advice. We are on Facebook @WarwickshireRoadSafety and Twitter @WarksRoadSafety