Being Bike Alert… Operation Close Pass – Fort William

Following recent incidents, BSW Mill Manager Oliver Stephen, working successfully with partner Ferguson Transport & Shipping, spent the day with Police Scotland to gain a better understanding of operation Close Pass. It aims to improve the safety of cyclists on the road by educating drivers on how to overtake safely.

Operation Close Pass highlights the vulnerable position many cyclists are put in; it shows drivers what happens when they drive dangerously and don’t leave enough room when overtaking. Numerous private and commercial vehicle drivers were stopped during the operation, and educated on what constitutes best practice when overtaking cyclists. It is advised that when you overtake a cyclist, you should give them as much room as you would a car.

You can now be charged with Careless Driving and receive £100.00 fine and 3 penalty points on your licence. Kevin Brown, Head of Driver Training & Development at Ferguson Transport & Shipping says that because his job is to promote professionalism through effective driver training awareness and development, persistent education to all groups of road users is vital. “It was a privilege to witness the operation first hand and see for myself the hard work and dedication the Officers put in taking the initiative forward”.

L – R: Kevin Brown (FT&S); Oliver Stephen (BSW); SGT Paul Whitehead; SGT Mike the vulnerable cyclist; Gary the Motor Unit rider (Police Scotland); Sarah Fraser (FT&S)