In today’s episode, we’re looking at a close pass on Bierley Lane in Bierley, which occurred on Sunday, 22nd September 2024. The vehicle involved was a grey BMW 3 Series.
The map shows the location of the incident and the direction the cyclist was travelling.
Let’s take another look at the incident in slow motion.
While the cyclist is in the cycle lane, the car passes with less than the required 1.5 metres.
The footage was submitted the same day via the Safer Roads Media Submission Portal operated by West Yorkshire Police, and an email acknowledgement was issued with a unique reference number.
On Tuesday, 24th September 2024, West Yorkshire Police provided a further update confirming that enquiries had begun to identify the driver. Once identified, the driver would be processed for the relevant offence or offences. Possible outcomes include an educational course, a Conditional Offer of Fixed Penalty, or a court hearing.
The process begins with issuing a Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP) to the vehicle’s registered keeper within 14 days of the offence. Receiving a NIP does not mean prosecution is automatic; it serves as a formal warning that one may follow. The recipient then has 28 days to identify the driver.
It’s essential to be truthful. Providing false details may amount to perverting the course of justice, which can lead to a prison sentence or a substantial fine. Failing to comply with the NIP is also an offence and can result in six penalty points and a maximum £1,000 fine.
Operation Snap data from July to September 2024 shows the driver was dealt with for offence RT88576: driving a mechanically propelled vehicle without reasonable consideration, an offence under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. This applies where the manner of driving inconveniences another road user.
This is covered by Rule 163 of the Highway Code, which states that overtaking should only be carried out when it is safe and legal to do so. Drivers should give cyclists at least as much room as they would when overtaking a car.
As a guide, at least 1.5 metres should be left when overtaking cyclists at speeds up to 30 mph, with greater clearance required at higher speeds. The rule also makes clear that extra care and additional space are needed in bad weather. If these clearances cannot be met safely, drivers should wait behind the cyclist and not overtake.
So, how was the driver dealt with? Operation Snap records show the driver was offered an educational course. A course can only be taken once in any three years, and these courses are designed to change behaviour and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
The driver had 28 days to book and pay for the course, and 120 days from the date of the offence to complete it. The police may withdraw the offer at any point before completion. Although the driver could have chosen a Conditional Offer of Fixed Penalty or a court hearing, they elected to complete the course at their own expense.
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That’s all from West Yorkshire Cycling for this edition. We’ll be back with another episode soon. Until then, take care on the roads.
