Today, Road Policing officers have carried out a day of action in relation to Operation Close Pass and the #lightup campaign on the A862 between Beauly and Muir of Ord.
Given the recent increase of cyclists on our roads, these operations are designed to assist in protecting these vulnerable road users. Officers were speaking to both the drivers of motor vehicles and cyclists.
Officers have spoken to 17 drivers for passing too closely to an unmarked Police cyclist. These drivers were also given a demonstration on how to overtake safely using a specially designed mat.
The Highway Code (Rule 163) 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, mud patches or oily, wet surfaces. Give them plenty of room and pay attention to any sudden change in direction they may have to make.
While at the same location, officers also stopped and spoke to a number of cyclists and road safety advice was given in adherence with the Highway Code. 11 Cyclists were also reminded of their own responsibilities in making themselves as visible as possible and cycling appropriately, Officers issued these cyclists with bike lights which have been provided by Cycle Law Scotland in support of the ongoing #lightup campaign.
Jodi Gordon, Partner at Cycle Law Scotland commented:
“We are delighted to be part of this important road safety campaign because on a daily basis we see the consequences of road traffic collisions between vulnerable road users and vehicles. Anything we can do to help educate road users and promote the legal requirement to #lightup in order to see and be seen, has got to be a good thing.”
Road Policing Constable Paul Whitehead said, “These campaigns provide us with a good opportunity to speak to road users to highlight our respective responsibilities and raise awareness of cycling safety.
"There is room for everyone on our roads and we all have a right to be there. We must encourage all road users to show consideration and respect for the safety of each other."
"We were very pleased with the majority of drivers who gave the cyclists plenty of room. We also had positive interactions with the cyclists that we spoke to.”
#OpClosePass #OpCedar #VulnerableRoadUsers #GoSafe #lightup