DRIVERS in York have been given a lesson in how to safely pass cyclists in the road.

North Yorkshire Police's close pass campaign aims to help drivers calculate how much space they should give cyclists when they overtake them, and was launched at the York Sport Village in Heslington yesterday (TUES).

The campaign, run with 95 Alive, Cycling UK and the force's Operation Spartan, aims to help protect vulnerable road users by giving them 1.5m of space when vehicles overtake, and helped illustrate their point with the 'close pass mat', funded by Cycling UK's Kickstarter appeal.

Traffic Constable Michelle Bergstrand from the Major Collision Investigation Unit, said: "Following the success of the Tour de Yorkshire we have seen an increase in the number of cyclists on our roads. By the nature of cycling, cyclists are some of the most vulnerable road users and Operation Spartan aims to ensure that drivers are aware of the fact they need to leave sufficient space when passing a cyclist.

"The Highway Code states at least the width of a car should be left between cyclist and vehicle. However to make it easier for drivers, we are advising this should be 1.5m from the cyclist. Drivers need to remember that cyclists need enough room so they can safely navigate around uneven road surfaces, drain covers and other debris that finds its way onto our road surfaces. We want to ensure that every driver in our region feels confident to overtake a cyclist safely and is aware of the guidance. The close pass mat is a great way of depicting really easily exactly how much room that is and we are grateful to Cycling UK, and all those who supported the fund raising campaign, for their support."

TC Bergstrand said 370 cyclists were injured on North Yorkshire's roads in 2015, and four were killed, meaning this education was necessary for drivers.

Fiona Ancell from North Yorkshire County Council, said: "This campaign will further highlight the importance of cyclists’ safety. We ask all road users to share the road and take responsibility."

David Murray, from Cycling UK, said: "We’re really pleased to see North Yorkshire Police roll out the first of our close pass mats – particularly as Cycling UK’s spiritual home of Harrogate sits squarely in their patch.

"Over the rest of May, thanks to the generosity of cyclists across the UK, who supported our #toocloseforcomfort kickstarter campaign, we’ll be donating these mats to every force in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales as we aim to make it a summer of safe cycling on all our roads."