New 'undercover cyclist' PSNI officers really put it up to the Garda
PSNI officers in full cycling kit will be riding around recording driver close passes for evidence. It's part of a progressive range of plans that puts the Garda in the shade.
The PSNI has launched a new See The Cyclist initiative - #seethecyclist –aimed at improving road safety for bike riders.
In a range of measures, aimed at both cyclist and driver behaviour, PSNI officers in cycling gear will go undercover to catch motorists close-passing bike riders.
And their bikes will be fitted with cameras to record the evidence they need to ground prosecutions.
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As a result the PSNI believes the roads will be safer for everyone; drivers and cyclists alike.
In the Republic in recent weeks a Garda union called for compulsory helmets and hi-vis for all cyclists, saying those on bikes needed a “change of mindset”.
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However, the PSNI is taking a much more nuanced and balanced approach.
It’s recommending cyclists wear bright clothing or at least contrasting colours. The PSNI also says cyclists should also wear and helmets and use lights, day and night.
And while dishing out that advice to cyclists, it’s telling drivers to give cyclists “at least” 1.5 metres space when passing them.
Anything less, it warns, can be regarded as dangerous or inconsiderate driving under the law.
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The PSNI is clearly intent on taking a carrot and stick approach to cyclists and motorists at the same time.
The plan seems a lot more sophisticated than the call for mandatory helmets and hi-vis from some in the Garda as the key way to increase cycle safety.
“In a nut shell, this is a cycle-based road safety operation designed to keep cyclists safer on the roads,” the Belfast PSNI said.
It’s advice for cyclists under its new #seethecyclist campaign?
“Consider keeping yourselves visible by wearing bright or contrasting clothes,” it said, joking that Lycra was optional.
"We also encourage the use of cameras and the camera logo on bikes.
“Cyclists need to remember to obey the road markings, traffic signs and indicate when you intend to change direction.”
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It is saying to motorists: “Be considerate around cyclists and give them suitable space when passing... at least 1.5m. Less than this could be considered careless or dangerous driving.”
It also outlined the kind of enforcement it would be taking to ensure everyone was “playing fair” and sharing the road.
“We are running a number of cycle safety operations in and around Belfast City centre,” the PSNI said.
“We anticipate our colleagues throughout Northern Ireland may follow suit.
“We will be using police cyclists in plain clothes (some in Lycra) with support from our uniform colleagues (not in Lycra).
“Initially it’s about educating motorists and cyclists, offering advice and guidance. Unless it's really dangerous, we won't be prosecuting people straight away.
“We'll be talking to as many drivers as possible and getting the message out there.
“However this first phase of the operation will then be followed by an enforcement aspect – prosecutions, tickets etc.
“Our bicycles are equipped with cameras to provide evidence of any potential offences; yes, you can see where this is going.
“We ran the first of the operations in Belfast last week and unfortunately we had to stop and speak to a considerable number of motorists.
“They were a tad shocked (to say the least) when the police motorcyclist pulled them over and explained to them that the cyclist in slightly too tight lycra that they had just skimmed is a police officer.... and it's on camera.
“So beware. Next time you scrape by a bike with no consideration, it could be us.”
However, it assured motorists that offending by cyclists would also be tackled.
Scary cyclists too
“We will also be conducting operations detecting poor and dangerous cycling to ensure that this is not a one way street, excuse the pun,” it said.
“There are some seriously scary cyclists out there too, and this road safety operation is intended to help keep everyone safer on the roads.
“The roads are for everyone and both cyclists and motorist should show respect and consideration for each other.
“There is no doubt that in the cyclist v motorist debate there are good and bad on both sides.”
We’ll keep an eye on this and track progress. But, at the very least, they seem to be starting from a good place in that they know what the real issues are.
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