Major awarenesss campaign launched

Scotland’s cycling charity has joined with the police to help educate motorists driving too close to bike riders.

Police Scotland will use plain clothed officers on bikes using bike cameras to catch motorists who get too close for comfort.

Drivers face a fine and three points on their licence if they don’t give enough room to cyclists.

It comes as Cycling Scotland is raising awareness of the risks to cyclists in a new nationwide campaign.

Its research reveals most Scots don’t know the correct amount of space – a car width - when passing a bike.

Cycling Scotland chief executive Keith Irving said: "People who cycle regularly are likely to experience a 'very scary' close pass incident every couple of days and cycling casualties are increasing, in line with cycling's growing popularity.

"Every week in Scotland, at least three people cycling suffer serious, potentially life-changing injuries, usually from a collision with a vehicle.

"Our new TV ad campaign shows how it can feel to be close passed and increases awareness of the legal consequences for people driving too closely to someone cycling."

Police Scotland has launched Operation Close Pass hoping to change attitudes by enforcing the law.

Motorists who pass to close will be pulled in further along the road cyclist radios details to colleagues further up the road where they will be spoken to on a giant mat showing the correct minimum passing distance of 1.5 metres.

Insp Andrew Thomson said: "Keeping all road users safe is a key priority for us and this campaign highlights that cyclists are vulnerable when being passed by vehicles too closely.

"Officers from Police Scotland will be working hard to raise awareness of this offence and encourage all road users to use the roads with respect for others."