Operation Close Pass

We had the opportunity and honour to attend an Operation Close Pass event coordinated by Sgt Jamie Wilkinson from the Bradford police.

Briefing in Operation Close Pass. Police officers with and without uniforms.

Briefing in Operation Close Pass. Photo: Katja Kircher

A plainclothes police person rides a bike on a pre-selected road, and when they are exposed to a close pass, the driver of the vehicle is pulled over and offered roadside education on cyclists’ placement on the road and their need for appropriate clearance during an overtake. The approach is to foster understanding of the cyclists’ situation. It was impressive to see this topic being taken seriously, and we hope that we can exchange experience and knowledge in the future.

Educational set-up with a bicycle on a surface with measures for a safe pass.

Educational set-up with a bicycle with measures for a safe pass. Photo: Katja Kircher