Thames Valley Police launch cyclist safety campaign

As a result of this, TVP are supporting the 'give space, be safe' campaign to make our roads safer for all road users.

From Monday 20 May until Friday 24 May, Thames Valley and Hampshire’s Joint Roads Policing Unit will be supporting the cycle safety scheme ‘Give Space, Be Safe’.

Across Thames Valley and Hampshire, 1,691 pedal cyclists have been killed or seriously injured since January 2014.

Of the cyclists injured, 82% were injured on urban roads and 58% near a junction or roundabout.

The aim of the campaign is to educate and raise awareness among cyclists and motorists of the dangers of overtaking too closely and to remind cyclists of the importance of making themselves more visible on the roads.

Officers will be conducting enforcement activity in key locations across Thames Valley, working closely with local Fire, Council and Highways England road safety teams.

Sergeant Rob Heard, from the Joint Operations Roads Safety Team, said: “A close pass not only presents a danger to the cyclist, but it is also intimidating.

“The Highway Code states, overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so and that drivers should allow vulnerable road users as much room as they would when overtaking a car.

“A driver deemed to be driving dangerously close can be prosecuted and taken to court. Cyclists also found to be riding in a careless or dangerous manner will also be stopped and dealt with appropriately.

“Ultimately, we are about making the roads safer for all and making sure we all get to our destinations safely.”