Since March 2020, Scotland has seen a big increase in the number of people cycling - numbers that further underline how a true bicycle renaissance is taking place. This is part of an increasing shift towards sustainable transport and cities that are increasingly liveable without the use of a car.

However, when it comes to switching to cycling, feeling safe is just as important as being safe. Therefore, Cycling Scotland, a member of the European Cyclists' Federation (ECF), launched the Give Cycle Space campaign on 1 June to stand up for cyclists on the road. The campaign, which is supported by Police Scotland, aims to raise awareness among motorists to drive safely and above all, when overtaking, keep a minimum distance from those on two wheels.

More than 6 in 10 people (63%) said they would be more likely to cycle than drive if they felt safer on Scotland’s roads and 57% agreed that more people cycling instead of driving would help Scotland tackle the climate emergency. According to Cycling Scotland Head of Communications Denise Hamilton, “Every week in Scotland, at least three people are seriously injured while cycling”.

These are the worrying results of a new study commissioned by Cycling Scotland involving 5,091 Scotland-based drivers. For this reason, the number one priority for Cycling Scotland is dedicated cycle lanes separated from road traffic. “With more people taking up cycling in the last year, it’s more crucial than ever that we improve safety on our roads,” added Hamilton.

The Give Cycle Space campaign is a call to take greater responsibility addressed to careless drivers that close-pass someone cycling. People can get a penalty of three points on their driving licence and be fined £100 – or receive a criminal conviction for more serious offences. The purpose is to educate drivers about leaving at least a car’s width when passing people on bikes, supported by Police Scotland’s Operation Close Pass.

Minister for Transport Graeme Dey said: “Close-passing on Scotland’s roads is unacceptable and continues to put lives at risk. It is so important that people who choose to cycle are not left frightened or put off by irresponsible overtaking from motorists.”

During the summer, Police Scotland will conduct Operation Close Pass at locations across Scotland to promote the safe use of shared road space. Close Pass involves a police officer in plain clothes cycling with cameras on their handlebars and the back of their bike. When they are passed too closely by a car, the police cyclist radios details to colleagues further up the road who pull over the motorist and direct them to a spot to talk to them about their driving. The chat takes place by the roadside on a giant mat showing the correct minimum passing distance. If someone is unreceptive to education, they will then be cautioned for careless or dangerous driving and receive a court summons.

Once again, this year, Cycling Scotland is involving the media in the dissemination of the “Give Cycle Space” campaign which runs on television, radio, online and on buses. It is funded by Transport Scotland and backed by Police Scotland with the aim to increase the level of information and awareness of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to share the road responsibly.

You can read more about the Give Cycle Space campaign over on the Cycling Scotland website.