New data shows record numbers of cyclists are reporting close passes to the police, as more than half (58%) of motorists admit they don’t know about the 1.5 metre overtaking rule.
The numbers of cyclists submitting video footage of poor driving to the police have doubled from 7,249 in 2021 to 15,779 in 2024, according to a Freedom of Information request from road safety charity IAM RoadSmart.
Forty-three police forces were approached in England and Wales and asked how many pieces of video footage showing a close pass of a cyclist by a motorist were submitted as part of Operation Snap.
Of the 43 forces asked, 20 provided data, with some forces only initiating Operation Snap recently. In 2021, 14 forces reported close passes from video submissions; by 2024 this had increased to 20.
Avon and Somerset Police received the most complaints about close passes, with 3,501 people submitting footage in 2024.
The data also showed the number of reports leading to a Notice of Intended Prosecution being served had risen from 38% in 2021 to 54% in 2024.
The Highway Code says drivers should leave at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking a cyclist at speeds of up to 30mph, with a larger gap at higher speeds.
A separate survey from IAM RoadSmart shows that more than half (58%) of 655 motorists polled in the UK are not aware that the correct distance to give cyclists is at least 1.5 metres.
Almost a fifth (18%) incorrectly think that just one metre of space is the recommended distance to give cyclists when overtaking. A third of motorists (34%) report that they often see other drivers or motorcyclists performing what they would consider a close pass risking the safety of the cyclist.
Almost one fifth (17%) reported that they often see drivers or motorcyclists overtaking a cyclist on a blind bend.
Harriet Hernando, IAM RoadSmart active travel spokesperson, said: “It is extremely concerning that more than half of motorists don’t know how much space to give a cyclist when overtaking. Passing too closely to a cyclist can be intimidating and dangerous, especially if they need to move out to avoid a pothole.
“It is small wonder then that record numbers of cyclists are installing cameras and submitting footage of dangerous or careless drivers to the police. While it is heartening to see that prosecution rates have increased, it would be better if it didn’t reach that stage and motorists weren’t doing it in the first place.
“That’s why we’re launching No More Close Calls, a campaign to put an end to close passes. When overtaking a cyclist, always look beyond them to judge your ability to get past safely leaving at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking at speeds of up to 30mph and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds. By hanging back two or three car lengths, you’ll be able to see further up the road and look out for oncoming traffic.
“Never overtake on a blind bend, or where road markings show double white lines. If it isn’t safe to overtake then don’t try and squeeze past – shaving seconds off your journey isn’t worth it if you end up taking someone’s life.”
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