A PHOTO showing the safe distance vehicles should give when passing cyclists, has gone viral.

The simple yet effective image shows a bicycle sat on a "pass mat" next to a police car - the mat shows a driver should give at least 1.5 metres distance between the vehicle and cyclist when overtaking.

Anyone not abiding by this safe passing distance runs the risk of being prosecuted for driving without due care and attention.

Somerset residents may have already seen the mats at events around the county, as part of a campaign launched in October, highlighting the dangers of passing cyclists and horse riders too closely.

Somerset County Gazette: KEEP YOUR DISTANCE: 'Pass Mats' have been used at pop-up events around the county to highlight how much space motorists should be giving cyclists and horse riders

The campaign, named Operation Close Pass, is a joint effort, backed by Somerset County Council’s Road Safety Team, Avon and Somerset Police, and Taunton Area Cycle Campaign.

In addition to the pop up events, 20 temporary ‘close pass’ signs were installed at key sites in and around Taunton. The signs were proposed by Taunton Area Cycle Campaign (TACC) which has also printed hi-visibility vests carrying the safe passing message. The signs and vests were funded by Avon and Somerset Police Road Safety Fund.

Somerset County Gazette: BE AWARE: ‘Close Pass’ signs were installed at key sites in and around Taunton

Part of the initiative also involved sharing advice with vulnerable road users to help them ride safely, legally and responsibly.

It's not just talk either - Operation Close Pass involves taking action against motorists who endanger cyclists and horse riders by passing them too closely. Police are asking road users to report incidents of near misses online and to include camera footage of a road-related offence where available.

Stats showing the reports Avon and Somerset Police have received so far this year

Somerset County Gazette: POSITIVE ACTION: 2021 figures showing reports from members of the public so far, including stats on warning letters, Notices of Intention to Prosecute (NIPs) and No Further Actions (NFAs) sent out.

NIP: Notice of Intention to Prosecute       NFA: No Further Action

“Operation Close Pass is about ensuring the safety of vulnerable road users,” said Councillor John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport.

“Motorists must give cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders as much room as they would if they were passing a car – as we’ve seen, the results can be tragic if they don’t.”

A virtual reality video called Too Close For Comfort, demonstrates the reality of passing cyclists too closely.

Mike Ginger, of Taunton Area Cycling Campaign, said: “We have distributed safe pass vests to dozens of cyclists who have reported on their positive effects. We are pleased to be working with the County Council and police to re-force this safety message with signing on key routes.”

If you experience a near miss or have captured an incident on camera, report it online at www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/roads