Record numbers of cyclists send footage of dangerous driving to the police as more than half of motorists admit they don’t know how much space to leave when overtaking

• The Highway Code was updated in 2022 recommending that drivers give cyclists at least 1.5 metres of space (about the width of a compact car) when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph
• 58 percent of motorists don’t know the correct distance to leave when overtaking a cyclist
• Video footage submissions to the police have doubled since 2021
• Cycling UK is the UK’s cycling charity. Ride with us for happier, healthier and greener lives.
• Cycling UK enables and inspires people from all backgrounds and abilities to experience cycling’s joys and benefits. We speak up for all who cycle to make sure it’s a safe and easy choice for everyone to travel, explore and have fun. For more information, visit: www.cyclinguk.org

Record numbers of cyclists are reporting close passes to the police as more than half (58%) of motorists admit they don’t know about the 1.5 metre rule.[i]

The numbers of cyclists submitting video footage of poor driving to the police have doubled from 7,249 in 2021 to 15,779 in 2024, according to a Freedom of Information request from road safety charity IAM RoadSmart.

Forty-three police forces were approached in England and Wales and asked how many pieces of video footage showing a close pass of a cyclist by a motorist were submitted as part of Operation Snap. The initiative, which streamlines footage submitted by members of the public reporting driving offences, was introduced in 2017 but was not rolled out to most police forces until 2021.[ii]

Of the 43 forces asked, 20 provided data, with some forces only initiating Operation Snap recently. In 2021, 14 forces reported close passes from video submissions; by 2024 this had increased to 20.

Avon and Somerset Police received the most complaints about close passes, with 3,501 people submitting footage in 2024.

The data also showed the number of reports leading to a Notice of Intended Prosecution being served had risen from 38 percent in 2021 to 54 percent in 2024.

Bedfordshire Police showed the highest prosecution rate in 2024, with 90 percent of all reports leading to a Notice of Intended Prosecution, followed closely by Avon and Somerset Constabulary and Cambridgeshire Constabulary.

The Highway Code says drivers should leave at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking a cyclist at speeds of up to 30mph, with a larger gap at higher speeds. Cyclists may have to move out to avoid potholes or debris on the road – passing closer puts lives at risk and drivers could be charged with careless or dangerous driving, which could result in an unlimited fine, disqualification, or imprisonment.

Worryingly, separate research from IAM RoadSmart, which provides Advanced Driver and Rider training, shows that more than half (58%) of 655 motorists polled in the UK are not aware that the correct distance to give cyclists is at least 1.5 metres. Almost a fifth (18%) incorrectly think that just one metre of space is the recommended distance to give cyclists when overtaking.[iii]

A third of motorists (34%) report that they often see other drivers or motorcyclists performing what they would consider a close pass risking the safety of the cyclist.

Shockingly, almost one fifth (17%) reported that they often see drivers or motorcyclists overtaking a cyclist on a blind bend, risking their own lives as well as others.

The research shows that the dangers to cyclists are putting many off pedalling; one third (34%) don’t ride a bike because they think it’s too dangerous, while another 15 percent think drivers are too aggressive.

Changes to the Highway Code were made in 2022 to better protect vulnerable road users like cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders.

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. Per mile travelled, cyclists are among the most vulnerable of road users. Between 2019 and 2023, most pedal cycle fatalities occurred in two-vehicle collisions involving a car.[iv]

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. When overtaking a cyclist, always look beyond them to judge your ability to get past safely leaving at least 1.5 metres of space when overtaking at speeds of up to 30mph and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds. By hanging back two or three car lengths, you’ll be able to see further up the road and look out for oncoming traffic. Never overtake on a blind bend, or where road markings show double white lines. If it isn’t safe to overtake then don’t try and squeeze past – shaving seconds off your journey isn’t worth it if you end up taking someone’s life. Go to IAMroadsmart.com/closecalls for more information.”

Duncan Dollimore, Head of Campaigns at Cycling UK, said:

“Cycling is a great way for people to get around. It’s cheap, healthy and a positive for our environment. Since changes were made to the Highway Code in 2022, to better protect vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians, we’ve not seen the big safety impact we’d hoped for, and this research reveals the reasons why.

“The majority of people who drive, simply aren’t aware how much distance to give to people who cycle when overtaking. This is why it’s crucial to educate all road users of their responsibility to protect those most vulnerable. Our recent campaign, ‘My ride. Our right’ specifically calls on the government to address this oversight by better promoting the new Highway Code. Only then can we foster more respect on our roads.”

Ends

Notes to editors

For interviews, contact the IAM RoadSmart press office on press.office@iam.org.uk / 020 8996 9777

B-ROLL AVAILIBLE TO DOWNLOAD HERE: IM Roadsmart B-roll.mp4

About IAM RoadSmart

IAM RoadSmart is a road safety charity providing advanced driver and rider training in the UK. It has a vision of a society where all road users can safely use the public highways together.

IAM RoadSmart was formed in March 1956 and has around 70,000 members and 5,000 volunteers that support its campaigns on road safety. At any one time there are more than 7,000 drivers and riders actively engaged with IAM RoadSmart’s courses.

The charity also delivers courses in the workplace. To find out more about how IAM RoadSmart can help with fleet and work training visit www.iamcommercial.co.uk

To find out more about IAM RoadSmart go to: www.iamroadsmart.com

Follow us:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/IAMRoadSmart

X (formerly Twitter): @IAMRoadSmart

Media centre: https://media.iamroadsmart.com/

About the IAM RoadSmart Opinion Panel:

IAM RoadSmart / Online95 conducted 655 online surveys amongst UK motorists in February 2025. Motorists were defined as personally holding a full current UK driving licence, and driving a vehicle and / or riding a motorcycle at least once a month. Survey data was recruited to quotas of, and weighted to, estimated age and gender profiles of DVLA UK Driving License profiles.

About Cycling UK

References: