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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Road Safety Issues, which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. Today (04/06/2026), your Ledbury Safer Neighbourhood Team were out around Ledbury, Staplow, Bosbury, Mathon & Colwall in support of West Mercia’s commitment to reduce road casualties for those that use 2 wheels – Operation Apex.
Using our police bike and body worn camera, we were looking to identify and educate drivers who put cyclists at risk through “close passes”. I am pleased to say, despite the rain, 19 miles covered, & a flat e-bike battery a few miles out from the Police Station, (can you guess where from the photo?) all drivers gave our officers plenty of room while out riding 🚲
Many drivers don't realise that passing a cyclist too closely can be intimidating and dangerous. The Highway Code advises leaving at least 1.5 metres when overtaking a cyclist at speeds up to 30mph, and even more space at higher speeds. This isn’t new guidance. Understanding how to safely overtake cyclists forms part of knowledge and standards expected of all drivers when learning to drive and passing a driving test. Failing to leave sufficient space may fall below the standard expected of a competent & careful driver and, depending on the circumstances, could amount to an offence such as careless driving 👮
Cyclists have the same right to use the road as any other road user. Giving them plenty of room helps keep everyone safe and can prevent serious collisions 🚫
If you are a cyclist and have footage of drivers passing too close to yourself, you can help support our commitment to road safety but uploading the footage to Operation Snap using the link below 📸
https://orlo.uk/d1tHp
If you're driving today, think: slow down, be patient, and leave plenty of space when overtaking.
#RoadSafety #OpClosePass #OpApex #OpSnap #ShareTheRoad #CyclistSafety
 If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.westmercia.police.uk, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can stay 100 per cent anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org Get Involved Please consider getting involved by registering for these messages, this will enable you to contribute to the local priority survey. We may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
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