With longer, brighter evenings encouraging more cyclists onto the roads, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is urging drivers to share the road safely and responsibly.

Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson, Head of Road Policing for the PSNI, emphasised the shared nature of Northern Ireland's road network. "Our roads are shared spaces for everyone and that includes cyclists," she stated.

"Cyclists are vulnerable as they don’t have the same protection around them as drivers do," Chief Inspector Simpson added. "This is why it’s important other road users take care around cyclists on the roads."

To raise awareness about cycle safety, Road Policing officers have been conducting "Close Pass" operations using unmarked bicycles. To date, these operations have focused on education, with no motorists requiring to be stopped and spoken to.

The PSNI reiterates that a minimum of 1.5 metres is the accepted safe distance a motorist should allow between their vehicle and a cyclist when overtaking. During these "Close Pass" operations, plain-clothes police officers on unmarked bicycles are equipped with cameras. They are supported by uniformed police motorcyclists who intervene and take action when drivers are observed "close-passing" or displaying potentially dangerous driving. "We want to focus on education and awareness but, where necessary and appropriate, we will consider enforcement action for the more serious incidents, such as careless driving," Chief Inspector Simpson explained. She noted that motorists will be offered the opportunity to view footage captured by the cycle officer, allowing them to understand the "close-passing" experience from a cyclist's perspective. Officers will also be observing cyclist behaviour, providing advice where necessary to help them ride safely and responsibly.

Paul Sanders, Chairperson of Cycling Ulster, welcomed the PSNI's initiative. "Cycling Ulster welcomes all initiatives aimed at creating safer roads for everyone, and we recognise the importance of the Close Pass campaign in particular," he said.

"It provides vital information to drivers about the safe distance required when overtaking cyclists, and it also offers a valuable reporting mechanism for cyclists who experience close passes. Knowing that there is a system in place where such incidents can be reported and addressed, provides reassurance to our cycling community. At the heart of this initiative is education and mutual respect among all road users. We thank the PSNI for their continued efforts and encourage everyone to play their part in building a safer environment on our roads."

Further information via www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/keeping-safe/roads-and-driving/share-road-tips-drivers-and-cyclists