Police urge respect for all road users on two wheels, two legs, four wheel or four legs

Close Pass is an innovative scheme intended to improve the safety of cyclists on the road by educating drivers on how to overtake them safely. The recommended space to leave when passing, when it is safe to do so, is 1.5 metres.

The scheme is now being extended to include horse riders and other vulnerable rural road users including pedestrians, farm workers, dog walkers and motorcyclists. Operation Close Pass - Horse Safe is supported by the Police and Crime Commissioners of Devon & Cornwall and Dorset and The British Horse Society.

The new approach was trialled at Oaklands riding stables in Exeter today, 13th May 2019. See BBC Spotlight and ITV Westcountry news programmes this evening for a report.

During a Close Pass operation, a plain clothed police officer on a cycle reports to supporting patrol colleagues if a vehicle has passed too closely, and then colleagues re-direct the drivers to a safe stopping place where that distance is very clearly represented on a specially produced mat.

Drivers are given the option to receive education at the roadside there and then as opposed to a penalty notice for careless and inconsiderate driving. Most drivers opt for roadside education and can also view the video evidence recorded on cameras fixed to the police officer’s cycle.

Alan Hiscox, Director of Safety at The British Horse Society said: “Last year alone, 239 road incidents involving horses and vehicles in the South West were reported to The British Horse Society, resulting in the death of 37 horses. It’s important for drivers to remember that there are three brains working when a car meets a ridden horse; the rider’s, the driver’s and the horses’. Even a well-trained horse can act on its natural instincts, which may mean quickly trying to avoid a perceived threat, such as a fast approaching car which is why it’s so important to pass wide, at least a cars width and slow, 15mph.”

Full story: https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?id=95c737e1-73eb-4e0b-aa7f-f877ae3fac52