WORD about the Close Pass scheme is being spread by Hampshire police this week as more cyclists begin to use the region's road networks in spring.

The Give Space, Be Safe operation by Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police, more commonly referred to as the Close Pass scheme, runs from Tuesday to Friday this week.

The campaign targets drivers who fail to follow the Highway Code rules on safe passing distances when overtaking cyclists, but also serves to remind cyclists to be more visible and ensure they have lights on and lit after sunset.

Across Hampshire and Thames Valley 1,122 pedal cyclists have been killed or seriously injured in the last three years..

Road safety Sergeant Rob Heard, from the Joint Operations Roads Policing Unit, said: “A close pass not only presents danger to the cyclist but it’s also intimidating.

“At this time of year we are coming into spring and more people are deciding to get their bikes out and start cycling. Many cyclists will still choose to commute to and from work; from a safety perspective motorists need to take added care to look out for cyclists. Equally cyclists need lights on their bikes not only to avoid prosecution but to keep them safer and visible when riding after sunset."