Today’s report focuses on a close pass as a cyclist was overtaking a car parked in a cycle lane on Bierley Lane in Bierley. The incident took place on Sunday, 22nd September 2024 and involved a grey Peugeot 207.
The map shows the location of the incident along with the direction the cyclist was travelling.
Let’s take another look at this incident, but in slow motion.
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 containing a unique reference number for the case.
On Tuesday, 24th September 2024, West Yorkshire Police provided a further update confirming that enquiries had commenced to identify the driver. Once identified, the driver would be processed for the relevant offence or offences, with potential outcomes including an educational course, a Conditional Offer of Fixed Penalty, or a court hearing.
The process kicks off when a Notice of Intended Prosecution — a NIP — is sent to the registered keeper within 14 days of the incident. Getting a NIP doesn’t mean you’re automatically being prosecuted; it’s simply a formal heads‑up that you might be. The keeper then has 28 days to confirm who was driving.
Honesty really matters here. Giving false information can be treated as perverting the course of justice, which can lead to a hefty fine or even prison. Not responding to the NIP at all is also an offence and carries six penalty points and a maximum £1,000 fine.
Operation Snap data for July to September 2024 indicates that the driver was dealt with for offence RT88576: Driving a mechanically propelled vehicle without reasonable consideration. This offence is defined under Section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, where a driver is considered at fault if their behaviour inconveniences another road user.
Rule 163 of the Highway Code makes clear that overtaking is permitted only when safe and lawful, and that cyclists must be given at least the same room as a car.
The recommended minimum clearance is 1.5 metres at speeds up to 30 mph, with additional space required at higher speeds and in adverse weather. If these distances cannot be maintained safely, drivers should refrain from overtaking.
Operation Snap shows the driver was offered an educational course. These courses, which can only be taken once every three years, are intended to improve driver behaviour and reduce the risk of further offences.
The driver had 28 days to book and pay, and 120 days from the offence date to complete the course. The police can withdraw the offer at any point until completion. Rather than accepting a Fixed Penalty or going to court, the driver chose to complete the course at their own expense.
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That’s the end of this West Yorkshire Cycling episode. We’ll be back with more coverage soon. Until then, stay safe on the roads.
