PSNI highlights cycle safety with close pass campaign as summer traffic rises
- Love Ballymena
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
As Northern Ireland enjoys longer, brighter evenings, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) is urging drivers to be extra cautious and respectful when sharing the road with cyclists.
With more cyclists taking advantage of improved weather, PSNI’s Road Policing team has reiterated the importance of giving cyclists adequate space and attention, particularly through its ongoing Close Pass campaign aimed at enhancing road safety awareness.
“Our roads are shared spaces for everyone and that includes cyclists,” said Chief Inspector Celeste Simpson, Head of Road Policing at PSNI.
“Cyclists are vulnerable as they don’t have the same protection around them as drivers do,” she continued.
“This is why it’s important other road users take care around cyclists on the roads.”
Close pass operations: Educating for safety
To reinforce this message, PSNI Road Policing officers have been conducting close pass operations, using unmarked bicycles fitted with cameras to detect potentially dangerous overtakes. These operations are supported by uniformed motorcyclists who are on hand to intervene when required.
During the operations, officers look for vehicles that pass cyclists too closely—defined as within 1.5 metres—and alert their colleagues to take appropriate action. The recommended minimum passing distance is crucial to reduce the risk of serious accidents and injuries.
Chief Inspector Simpson said the emphasis remains on education and mutual understanding, though enforcement is possible in more serious cases:
“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.”
Motorists identified in close pass operations are shown footage from the cyclists’ cameras to help them understand how close passes feel from a rider’s perspective. At the same time, officers are also monitoring cyclist behaviour and offering advice where appropriate, promoting safety on all sides.
Cyclists welcome police action
The initiative has been widely welcomed by the cycling community. Paul Sanders, Chairperson of Cycling Ulster, praised the campaign for its balanced approach to education and accountability.
“Cycling Ulster welcomes all initiatives aimed at creating safer roads for everyone, and we recognise the importance of the Close Pass campaign in particular,” said Sanders.
“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.”
Shared responsibility on the roads
With summer seeing an increase in both traffic and cyclists, the PSNI is encouraging all road users to stay alert, be considerate, and remember that road safety is a shared responsibility.
For more guidance on safe road use and how drivers and cyclists can coexist respectfully, visit the PSNI’s official road safety page:
