Drivers unaware of 1.5m cyclist space rule
IAM RoadSmart has reported a growing number of near-misses between cyclists and cars, with 58% of drivers unaware of the 1.5m cyclist space rule.
Based on its Freedom of Information request to police forces, it has revealed that the numbers of cyclists submitting video footage of poor driving as part of Operation Snap have doubled from 7,249 in 2021 to 15,779 in 2024.
Operation Snap was introduced in 2017 to streamline and collate footage submitted by members of the public reporting driving offences.
Meanwwhile, IAM RoadSmart’s own research has also revealed the more than half of motorists are unaware that the Highway Code stipulates that drivers should leave at least 1.5m of space when overtaking a cyclist at speeds of up to 30mph, with a larger gap at higher speeds.
According to the Department for Transport, 87 pedal cyclists were killed in Great Britain, while 3,942 were reported to be seriously injured and 10,970 slightly injured in 2023.
No More Close Calls
IAM RoadSmart active travel spokesperson Harriet Hernando 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.”
