An initiative to highlight the safety of cyclists has been launched in the North East. Operation Close Pass was originally introduced in Edinburgh in 2017, and sees drivers who pass an unmarked police cyclist too closely being stopped and given advice. A specially designed mat is used for this which shows how much space a pedal cyclist should be given when being overtaken by a motor vehicle. Road Policing Sergeant Peter Henderson explains: “Cyclists are considered vulnerable road users so it is important that drivers recognise the importance of giving …