'You can't prove that close pass. Your camera needs to be calibrated/the wide angle lens distorts distances.'
Yes, we can.
The video shows the cyclist is 1m out from the kerb. Add 0.3m from the centrally mounted camera to the elbow of the cyclist to give 1.3m...
1/3
Ever wondered what inspires people to buy and set up a camera and spend hours reporting bad drivers? Last year a motorist close passed us as we rode though Ilkley. Minutes later he ran over my front wheel while I was trying to explain that it was legal to ride two abreast...
1/4
Some excellent professional driving by this
@Dalesdairies
lorry driver. Hats off to you, Sir (or Ma'am)!
Cyclists really appreciate this kind of behaviour.
If a lorry driver can give space and pass safely, then so can car drivers.
Let's hear it for the amazing HGV drivers who are careful and considerate around cyclists. Hats off to you.
If an HGV can do this then so can a car driver.
I'd cycled for over 12 years and accepted the bad driving as something you just had to put up with. This incident changed my mind. I'd had enough and decided to take action. I used the insurance money to fix the bike and what was left paid for a camera. 3/4
Every wondered what inspires people to buy and set up a camera and spend hours reporting bad drivers? Last year a motorist close passed us then ran over my front wheel. When asked to swap details, he simply walked away believing he would just get away with it.
When I asked to swap details, he simply walked away with an air of contempt and impunity. Thankfully an independent witness came forward and offered to help. The police were informed and the driver's insurance paid out compensation. 2/4
I used the money to fix the bike and what was left paid for a camera. I now report at least one careless driver on every ride. If it saves one life it will be worth it.
A couple of careful passes. As cyclists, we really appreciate drivers like this. Notice they use the full width of the road. Not hard. Chapeau (hats off)!
'If it's 1.5m for vehicles, why not for cyclists?' Walk past close to a stationary bus. Now get that bus to pass you at 60mph leaving the same space. Which is more dangerous? Simple physics. Different risk, different responsibilities, different rules.
'But it's too narrow to pass a cyclist safely.' Do as you would a car - wait until it's safe then pass. This impatient BMW driver saved a few seconds which were more than made up for with a three hour driver awareness course.
Why on earth do you spend your valuable time reporting dangerous drivers? Good question. Sadly it's because we believe the only way some drivers will take more care is if they are concerned about potential police action. This scientific study concludes...
'I don't see why cyclists make such a fuss. - that pass was perfectly safe'.
'Ok, come for a ride with us on a busy road.'
'You have to be kidding- it's far too dangerous!'
"But it's too narrow to leave 1.5m of space for a cyclist" Simply hold back, take a second or two and pass safely.
We really appreciate good drivers like this CRV motorist. Chapeau (hats off)! 👏👏👏👏
This Skoda driver closes the door as he passes.
Less than 1.5m ✔
Under 30mph ✔
Breach of Highway Code 163 ✔
Driving without due care and attention ✔
Notice of Intended Prosecution ✔
Course/fine+points/court ✔
This BMW driver was convinced he didn't
#ClosePass
. The police thought otherwise. Passing closer than 1.5m up to 30mph can be deemed as driving without due care and attention and can attract a course, fines and points or court.
Avoid the hassle and give cyclists space.
Fed up with the dangerous and careless drivers risking people's lives and pushing up your insurance premiums? Get yourself a dash cam and report through the England Wales
#OpSnap
portal. You won't be alone - 33,500 videos were submitted in 2023.
The van driver gives plenty of space to a cyclist so why not the driver? There are now consequences for this sort of careless driving so they will learn the hard way.
#ClosePass
#OpSnap
The deluded entitlement of so many drivers ranting that they pay 'road tax' is hilarious. The Highways are the opitome of public space. We all pay for it, we all use it. No one has special rights. Vehicle Excise Duty is not a VIP pass to our roads. Drivers don't have special 1/3
'Cyclists don't let cars pass' as if this is some kind of justification for a dangerous
#ClosePass
.
Yes, we do but and only when it's safe. Notice how much space this excellent
@RoyalMailHelp
driver gives? Hats off - a wave from us and a hazard blink from him.
'Posting close passes just upsets drivers'. Sorry, but if calling out dangerous drivers upsets you, have a good think why. Thousands are killed and seriously injured on the roads every year. Hurt feelings? Talk to the family of the crash victims.
Did this guy take the 'that will never stand up in court' legal advice from Twiter/X? He even measured the road to show he gave less than 1.5m 😁
"This has already cost me about £4,500 with the money for the court and the solicitor"
Thoughts on these signs - do you think they would be effective in your area? Perhaps the data from
#OpSnap
reporting could be used to target hot spots.
If the road is narrow it doesn't mean you can close pass a cyclist. Wait until there is space to pass safely. A bit of patience would have saved this Skoda driver attention from the police.
#ClosePass
#OpSnap
BIKE BUS: Former active travel minister Trudy Harrison said when you ask in schools, how many kids cycle to school: no hands go up. Yet when you ask how many would like to cycle to school: all the hands go up. Here’s what happens when you make it possible with a
#BikeBus
🚲🎶🏴🙌🏻
This white van driver was in such a hurry they risked a cyclist's safety for a few seconds. They'll pay for those seconds with a three hour driving course or a fine with points or a court case.
#ClosePass
#OpSnap
Thankfully and independent witness came forward and offered to help. The police were informed and the driver's insurance paid out compensation. I'd been cycling for over 12 years and just accepted the bad driving as something you just had to put up with. This changed my mind.
Myth: cyclists don't have a right to be on the road - they don't pay 'road tax.' Fact: VED doesn't pay for the roads - it's air pollution tax based on the emissions your car produces. Everyone in the UK has a right to make use of the highways. Read more:
'Cyclists ride carelessly and endanger pedestrians.'
'After you, no, after you, no after you - you're at the top of the Hierarchy of Road Users.'
Did anyone tell the SUV or did they just decide because they pay 'Road Tax' they have priority of a pedestrian crossing?
Not sure what C4THY thought she was doing here. She needs to brush up on the space required to pass a cyclist safely. Notice of Intended Prosecution issued.
Shocking bit of driving in
#BoltonAbby
- overtaking on a blind corner into oncoming cyclists. If in West Yorkshire we'd report it but as it is
#NorthYorkshire
not going to. No confidence in
@NYorksPolice
#OpSnap
. What will it take for them to lift their game?
This driver received 7 points and a £1079 fine for tailgating and undertaking on the M5 near Bridgwater.
This is just one of thousands of video submissions we receive each year as part of
#OpSnap
. To submit footage of a suspected motoring offence visit
Did she even see the cyclist?
Makes no effort to give space and ends up with a letter asking her to confirm who was driving the car so they can be processed for careless driving.
Probably gets a driving course. Please be careful.
#ClosePass
#OpSnap
Why do cyclists ride in the 'middle of the road?' Because it can be the safest position. Ride near the kerb of this lane and cars will squeeze past leaving very little room. Had to learn this the hard way. The close pass was reported and action by
#OpSnap
police.
What is it about large SUV drivers? The driver of this Range Rover passed too closely (and was probably speeding) and was booked by the
#OpSnap
police for driving without due care and attention. Let's hope they learn from their experience.
'But you are upsetting motorists and degrading relations with cyclists' Here's the thing - most of us have been suffering dangerous close passes for years. Some have experienced some outright hateful incidents like the guy who had a golf ball thrown at him. And for what?
'That camera evidence won't stand up in court. Prove it was less than 1.5m of space required to pass a cyclist.'
Ok, an example:
Road reference point from video ✔
Width of the lane ✔
Width of car ✔
Position of camera ✔
Estimate width of cyclist ✔
Under 1.5m?
Pinch points appear to be a challenge for many drivers. Rather than slow down and hold back until it was safe to pass, both of these pushed through giving under 1.5m of space. The seconds saved were cancelled out by four hours of learning how to drive.
#OpSnap
#ZeroVision
A final EY UP to FLAB Mike Gough
Passionate Cyclist and Road Safety Campaigner
Tragically taken in a fatal road traffic accident whilst riding his bike
16th March 2024
RIP Fat Lad ❤️
Letting a driver pass on a narrow road. Cyclists don't have to pull over and let cars past but we try to do so when it's safe. Being courteous sadly doesn't stop the careless drivers.
See this in your mirror and it could mean you'll be getting a letter from the police asking you to confirm who was driving so they can process you for carless driving.
#OpSnap
#ClosePass
Why not report careless cycling? The simple answer is the risk and frequency is very different. Every time we ride our bikes on the road, a motorist risks our safety with their careless driving. Being hit by a vehicle can mean broken bones, head injuries, spinal injuries or worse
Enforcement of careless driving around cyclists has historically been very poor. This is now changing. The meteoric rise in cam reporting means that dangerous drivers can no longer endanger cyclists with a sense of impunity.
Probably one of the closest and most dangerous passes we've ever experienced. Believe it or not, this people carrier is a
#Skipton
-based taxi licenced by
@northyorksc
. See the oncoming car has to brake sharply & pull over to avoid a head on. Wet, slippery conditions make it worse
Daisy Duke must get in front at any cost so tries to bully the cyclist out of her way.
Don't be like Daisy. Give at least 1.5m of space when overtaking a cyclist, more if over 30 mph.
#ClosePass
reported to
#OpSnap
Too fast and too close especially in a built up area with a nearby school. Imagine their face when they open the letter containing the Notice of Intended Prosecution. Fail to respond and it's a £1000 fine and 6 points.
#OpSnap
#VisionZero
What will it take to teach drivers to be better? This VW driver couldn't slow down and allow a cyclist 1.5m of space and was sent a Notice of Intended Prosecution by the
#OpSnap
police.
#ClosePass
Bike lanes do not give drivers the right to
#ClosePass
vulnerable road users. If you can't fit a Kia Picanto in the gap, you're probably too close.
#OpSnap
Police have contacted the driver to advise pending action.
#VisonZero
This C4 driver sees the SUV in front pass safely but opts to give the cyclist very little room thinking they are immune to police enforcement. Video evidence submitted to
#OpSnap
put an end to that myth. Imagine their face when they open the letter from the police.
The ultimate in entitlement: 'cyclists have no right to be on the road - they don't pay 'road tax'. Paying VED does not give you exclusive rights to the highways. Cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders etc all pay some form of general taxation and have the right to use the roads.
'Family' people in their big people carriers with no care for cyclists who have little to protect themselves other than a helmet and their wits.
This Citroen driver gets a Notice of Intended Prosecution = a course, a fine with points or a court challenge.
#ClosePass
'Sorry, I'm in too much of a hurry to worry about your safety'.
They can ponder those seconds saved on a driving improvement course.
Notice of Intended Prosecution issued.
#ClosePass
#OpSnap
Another impatient driver saves a few seconds off the 4 hours they will spend on a driver awareness course. If it was member of their family cycling would they pass this close?
#OpSnap
This Skoda driver barely slows down and close passes a cyclist leaving less than 1.5m of space. The
#OpSnap
police process them for driving without due care and consideration. Fair cop?
Like so many good motorists, this Golf driver passes a cyclist leaving 'at least 1.5m of space'. They arrive on time not worrying that they could be reported for driving without due care and attention.
#OpSnap
#VisionZero
Drivers waiting patiently and passing with a reasonable amount of space given the very narrow lane. The white VW driver is better than the Merc. It can be done.
People have had enough of the bad drivers and are reporting them to the
#OpSnap
police in their thousands. Impatience and lack of care landed this one with an educational course, a fine and points or court. What was the hurry?
#ClosePass
For those who complain it's impossible to pass cyclists leaving 1.5m of space, here are two examples of how simple it is. Thankfully most drivers understand this and are careful and attentive.
#OpSnap
#VisionZero
If you can't pass a cyclist with 1.5m clearance, hold back until there is enough room. A few seconds could save you a three hour course or a fine and points. Your Insurance company will want to know about the charge of driving without due care and attention. Worth it?
#OpSnap
The first of two close passes actioned by
#OpSnap
police. The bike lane here is in very poor condition and doesn't help. Still no excuse - the Skoda driver manages to give space so why not the white van?
#ClosePass
"You are just anti-car" - What the elderly man who ran over my wheel said when I asked to swap details . He subsequently refused and just walked off. Thankfully an independent witness came over and gave me her number. We also had pictures of him and his car.
'Cyclists should have a license'. According to the AA 85% do. Having said that, we cycled to school in the 70s without a license and no one made a fuss.
Just because the driver in front breaks the law, it doesn't mean you can too. Both motorists were give Notices of Intended Prosecution for driving without due care and attention.
#ClosePass
#OpSnap
What do you think of this driving
@BritishGasHelp
?
A close pass is pretty inconsiderate at the best of times let alone when you are struggling up a 20% hill. Reported and actioned by West Yorkshire
#OpSnap
#ClosePass
Another close and inconsiderate (punishment?) pass. Really unnecessary with no allowance for unforeseen hazards like potholes or a sideways gust of wind. Killing or seriously injuring someone has catastrophic consequences for everyone involved, even the offender. Reported.
The meteoric rise in dash cam reporting shows road safety is an important priority for the UK public. Let's see decision makers respond to this by reinvesting the revenue generated into
#OpSnap
teams and road safety.
Overtaking on this narrow
#Kettlewell
road into oncoming traffic in wet slippery conditions. No care or consideration for the cyclist. Very little margin of error. Driving like this isn't as rare as you could expect in the
#YorkshireDales
The drivers vs cyclists myth is born of the ignorant belief that cyclists simply shouldn't be on the road. We all pay some form of tax, many pay VED and everyone has the right to use the roads safely.
@FabianLeedsNE
, new co-chair of the
@APPGCW
, made a good point that there is a deeper fundamental issue at play in some road traffic offenses: drivers who do not recognise the right of cyclists to be on the roads.
If the van can make a safe pass then why not the Mercedes? Driving an expensive car doesn't give you the right to threaten people's safety. HwC Rule 163: leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph... more space when overtaking at higher speed
This impatient Clio driver pushed past a cyclist leaving less than the required 1.5m of space. The
#OpSnap
police confirmed this was a breach. What do you think the likely outcome was?
#ClosePass
It's advised to cross the centre line when passing cyclists but if the road is wide enough it's not always necessary. This Peugeot driver is just over 1.5m but the Audi TT driver gives plenty of space. As vulnerable road users we really appreciate good drivers.
#VisionZero
This Focus driver shows how to drive with due care and attention around cyclists. This is opposite a school so extra marks for your care and attention. Well done.
#ClosePass
#VisionZero
@paul_anley
Because of speed and mass. Two tonnes of metal, glass and plastics going 30mph carries significantly more energy and hence risk. Why you can comfortably walk past a parked car within inches but would not want it to pass you that close. Make sense?
This Merc driver is getting a Notice of Intended Prosecution for driving without due car and attention - giving less than 1.5m of space when passing a cyclist. A bit more space would have saved them the cost and hassle.
#OpSnap
#ClosePass
We all need to follow the Highway Code and stop on red lights. You don't need to have a number plate to be caught. Be that great example of someone that respects others - particularly the most vulnerable.
Unsure how much space to give cyclists when passing in a vehicle? If you can't fit a Kia Picanto in the gap, you are probably too close. If you can't pass safely, wait until there is a safe space.
Highway Code Rule 163:
'What are these cyclist making a fuss about? That doesn't look close at all.' A few things going on here. Firstly, the wide angle lens makes it tricky to judge where the cyclist is and how close the car was.
Secondly, if you're used to being safely protected by your car...1/4
This Civic driver couldn't be careful or considerate so ended up with a Notice of Intended Prosecution leading to either a £100 three hour course, a fine with 3 points or court. Appropriate action for someone who risks a cyclists life?
#OpSnap
This could have been life-changing. Transit driver almost had a head-on with a Volvo. The same road where a much loved Ilkley cyclist lost his life last year. Was flagged to the
@IlkleyGazette
- not interested. It seems people need to die for driving like this to get attention.
Another close pass, another Notice of Intended Prosecution issued. Staggeringly low awareness of the 1.5m rule. Lane width: 3.7m, KAROQ width 2m, Cyclist is around 1m out. Add 30 cm to elbow.
#ClosePass
#OpSnap
Rule H1 of the Highway Code says those in charge of vehicles that can cause the greatest harm in a collision bear the greatest responsibility to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others. This isn't about entitlement, it's about safety.
What do you think happened here? Close and careless? Highway Code 163: 'leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds'
#OpSnap
#ClosePass
#VisionZero
What do you think about this one? The cam cyclist is riding in the 'secondary position' - 1m out from the curb. Passing vehicles should give 1.5m of space around the width of the original Mini. This was reported to the
#OpSnap
police.
This is why we report the dangerous drivers. We need much stricter outcomes for this kind of offending. Where else can you endanger someone's life like this and get a course?
What do you think the police will do about this one? It is the second of two careless close passes on cyclists 20 minutes apart.
#OpSnap
police are determining who the driver was so they can charge them.
If you are doing to drive without care and attention then best make sure you MOT hasn't expired. This Ford Ranger risked cyclists safety for the sake of a few seconds?
#OpSnap
nicked them. We also checked his MOT here: and found it expired 22 Nov '23.
Do you think this Porsche driver would pass a family member this close? The Highway Code is clear - leave at least 1.5m of space when passing a cyclist. More if travelling over 30mph.
#OpSnap
#ZeroVision