Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Cyclists demand city safety scheme
CYCLISTS in Tayside have renewed calls for police to do more to make them feel safe on the roads.
Dundee Cycling Forum members have again called for Operation Close Pass to be rolled out in the area.
The scheme sees plain-clothed officers take to the streets on bikes to spot drivers who don’t allow enough passing room.
Motorists are then pulled over by the officers and given advice using a specially designed mat which shows how much room cyclists need.
The scheme is currently i n use in Edinburgh, as well as the West Midlands.
Since its implementation in 2017, Dundee Cycling Forum has been urging Tayside Police Division to introduce the operation, but it is yet to come into force.
Forum member Donald Baddon said: “We have been asking for the measure to be put in place for nearly a year.
“Police in Tayside have told us they will not roll it out as the casualty and incident rate for cyclists is not high enough.
“The aim of this operation is not only to prevent accidents occurring but also to encourage people to get into cycling.
“If cyclists feel safe on the road they will use it more.
“What we really want is Tayside Police Division to realise that encouraging people into cycling is a partnership.
“By not rolling out operations like this they are becoming a blocker to the encouragement.”
The operation has also been called for by city development convener Lynne Short, who petitioned for the incentive at a recent community partnership meeting.
Mr Baddon, from Broughty Ferry, added: “A number of local councillors and local MSPs have tried to get this implemented throughout the past year.
“Lynne Short has tried and failed, and Shona Robinson has tried and failed.
“Dundee currently is not an attractive place to cycle, so we really want to see that change.”
Fellow forum member Neil Cooney said: “I think a lot of people who don’t cycle don’t realise how off-putting it can be when they drive too closely.
“We think the operation is a good way of changing drivers’ behaviour and of getting the message across to people.
“I’m a confident cyclist, but I know from my own personal experience how it can make you quite concerned when it happens.”
Previously Councillor Kevin Cordell, a keen cyclist, said: “I’m open to ideas from any source to assist in making our roads safer for cyclists but also more harmonious for all road users.
“We need to ensure all road users know what is expected of them and if operations such as Close Pass can assist in that process then I would be all for it.”
Police Scotland was approached for comment but had not responded at the time of going to press.