Issue and risks
In 2023, 4 cyclists died on the roads of West Yorkshire with a further 164 seriously injured.
Cyclists are one of the most at risk groups on the roads. It is important to be responsible, consider other road users and follow the Highway Code.
People in charge of vehicles can cause most harm in a collision. Motorists should take care and reduce the danger they pose to others.
The close passing of cyclists is unsafe, dangerous and can lead to a road collision or worse. We want people in Calderdale to enjoy our thriving towns and be able to get around safely. We are committed to creating safer roads for everyone and an environment where people can cycle around Calderdale without harm.
How to safely pass a cyclist
To keep everyone safe, there are minimum distances and speeds for overtaking. The Highway Code outlines that at least 1.5 metres should be left when overtaking a cyclist at up to 30mph. When overtaking at higher speeds, more space should be left.
Guidance for cyclists
The Highway Code sets out guidance for cyclists, which covers:
- clothing;
- road positioning;
- and signalling.
These rules are to help road users safely share the road.
How we are tackling the issue
In March 2025, we launched a campaign to help drivers judge the gap to leave while overtaking a bike. The 1.5 metre safe distance can be compared to about the length of a:
- bathtub;
- park bench;
- Yoga mat;
- or a barbell.
Funded by West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Active Travel England, we aim to:
- Raise awareness of the Highway Code's safe passing distances and speeds when overtaking cyclists.
- Educate drivers on the 1.5 metre rule when a vehicle is overtaking a cyclist and the dangers of overtaking too close.
We will be installing signage at close pass hotspots across the borough. These signs will act as a reminder of the amount of space drivers should leave when overtaking a cyclist.
Support the campaign
Operation Snap
Have you experienced a dangerous driver? To submit your footage to West Yorkshire Police, visit: Safer Roads Media Submissions portal.
The 'Op Snap' campaign encourages the public to submit footage of driving offences that have taken place on our roads. We encourage you to submit dash cam, head cam or bike cam evidence you may have witnessed.
Stay up to date
We urge drivers to keep up to date with the Highway Code. Guidance on safe passing distances, the hierarchy of road users and priorities at junctions was updated in 2022.
For how to overtake people on bikes, on foot and horses, visit: Keep everyone safe on our roads: Overtaking.
Pledge your support for West Yorkshire Vision Zero
No death or serious injury is acceptable on our roads, which is why we will use the Vision Zero approach. We are work together to reduce road danger in our region. The partnership has the shared aim of achieving zero deaths and serious injuries by 2040.
We all have an important part to play in making this a reality.
Commit to what you will do to make our roads safer and sign the Vision Zero Pledge.