POLICE have been educating drivers about how to overtake bicycles on the roads following concerns that cyclists feel unsafe on city roads.

An operation was carried out because cyclists in Durham have raised concerns about feeling unsafe because of the way some motorists pass them on routes around the city.

Last year, there were 220 incidents where cyclists were killed or seriously injured in Durham and Cleveland.

Inspector Jon Curtis of Cleveland and Durham Specialist Operations Unit, said: “We know that a number of cyclists feel unsafe by the way some motorists pass them on various routes around the city. This led us to proactively identify and educate drivers who pass too closely to cyclists.

“We want to remind drivers to allow a safe passing distance of 1.5 metres when overtaking. I think that today has been a stark reminder to these drivers of the risks involved.”

On Thursday, an operation took place on the A177 from Shincliffe to Durham.

A cyclist was killed on the same stretch of road in November.

A plain-clothed officer cycled towards Durham and motorists identified as passing too close were intercepted and pulled into Durham School, in Quarryhead Lane, where education and vehicle checks were carried out.

County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service helped to educate drivers with a ‘close pass mat’ which showed drivers exactly how much space cyclists should be given when being overtaken by a vehicle, while Durham County Council used virtual reality goggles to simulate a car crash to show the devastation distractions can cause.

If drivers did not want to be educated, they faced a £100 fine and 3 points on their licence or up to a £5,000 fine and potential disqualification if prosecuted at court for careless driving.

Insp Curtis added: “Cyclists are vulnerable road users so it is important that drivers recognise the importance of giving them sufficient space on the roads.

“Passing cyclists too closely puts all road users in danger. You should allow at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car when passing a person on a bicycle, giving consideration to the maximum speed limit and time and distance available to you.

“With such great weather and longer days, there has been an increase in the number of pedal cyclists using the road network across the North East. It is therefore imperative that all road users, including cyclists, are aware of their vulnerability irrespective of what mode of transport they are using. The road network is for everyone to share and we all have a responsibility to ensure our own safety and the safety of others. By exercising patience and courtesy we can all make the roads a safer place.”