How one cyclist tackles close passes. But will this get us a bad name?

This cyclist is clearly sick a tired of being passed too closely by motorists. But does an approach like this create more conflict with drivers than it solves?

 

The new close pass legislation, aimed at making the roads safer for cyclists, is on its way. But the rider in this photo has already taken matters in his own hands.

He's fixed a couple of 'wands' to the front and back of his bike; an apparent effort to ensure motorists pass him at at least that removed.

He also has a camera on his helmet and then a sign on his back. It warns motorists they are being recorded and so to pass him at at least one metre.

There's no doubt the roads can be a hostile and dangerous environment for cyclists at times. And the majority of us will have endured close passes at some point.

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We couldn't blame any cyclist who had become exasperated, especially if they'd suffered a number if especially close calls.

But does an approach like this help? The rider is effectively issuing a preemptive warning to all cyclists that they are under surveillance.

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The close-pass legislation seems to a fantastic opportunity to bring about cultural change in driver behaviour.

Those drivers who have probably never paused to give cyclists time, or to consider being in cyclists shoes, will now be forced to do so.

It's likely the public debate around the introduction of the new law will on itself change the driving of some motorists towards being more accommodating.

And with new sanctions - including fines and penalty points - about to be put in place for those who pass cyclists too closely; cyclists will be able to use any video footage to prove the offences.

But is it wise to take such an in-your-face approach of warning all motorists not to great the law and also warning them they're under surveillance.

Does such an approach run the risk of simply great more hostility and conflict between cyclists and motorists than already exists?

Or maybe this is simply one man exercising his right to ask that other road users respect him?

We'd love to know your thoughts on social media or in the messages below.