Record Number of Cyclists Submitting Footage to Police of Close Passes by Motorists

Strategic Insights -

Cyclists in England and Wales submitted a record 15,779 videos of close passes by motorists to police last year, with the number more than doubling from 7,249 in 2021. The footage was part of Operation Snap, an initiative introduced in 2017, and was obtained by road safety charity IAM RoadSmart through a Freedom of Information request. The responses from 20 police forces showed that the percentage of reports leading to a notice of intended prosecution being served rose from 38% in 2021 to 54% last year.

Key Takeaways:

  • 15,779 videos of close passes by motorists were submitted to police by cyclists in England and Wales last year, a record number that more than doubles the total of 7,249 in 2021.
  • 58% of drivers surveyed by IAM RoadSmart are not aware that the Highway Code recommends leaving a minimum gap of 1.5 meters when passing cyclists.
  • The percentage of reports leading to a notice of intended prosecution being served rose from 38% in 2021 to 54% last year.
  • IAM RoadSmart's No More Close Calls campaign aims to eradicate close passes by motorists.
  • Harriet Hernando, IAM RoadSmart's active travel spokeswoman, emphasizes the importance of leaving enough space when overtaking cyclists and not taking unnecessary risks.
  • Provisional Department for Transport figures show 85 cyclists were killed on Britain's roads in 2024.
  • Most cyclist fatalities occur in collisions involving a car.

Statistics:

  • 15,779 videos of close passes by motorists were submitted to police by cyclists in England and Wales last year.
  • 7,249 videos of close passes by motorists were submitted to police by cyclists in England and Wales in 2021.
  • 58% of drivers surveyed by IAM RoadSmarts are not aware of the Highway Code's recommendations for leaving space when passing cyclists.
  • 54% of reports leading to a notice of intended prosecution being served rose from 38% in 2021 to last year.
  • 85 cyclists were killed on Britain's roads in 2024 (provisional).
  • Between 2019 and 2023, most cyclist fatalities occurred in collisions involving a car.

Sources:

  • IAM RoadSmart's Freedom of Information request to 43 police forces (March 2024)
  • Provisional Department for Transport figures (2024)
  • Highway Code (2022)
  • IAM RoadSmart's No More Close Calls campaign
  • Cycling UK's head of campaigns, Duncan Dollimore's statement (2024)
  • Department for Transport spokesperson's statement (2024)