Police release 'shocking' video to show how dangerous drivers put cyclists' lives at risk

As part of Road Safety Week, officers have posted the video to social media as a warning to road users.
As part of Road Safety Week, officers have posted the video to social media as a warning to road users. Credit: Northumbria Police

Police have released a video to illustrate how cyclists' lives are being put at risk by dangerous drivers - as figures for serious injury or fatal collisions involving cyclists are at a four year high.

As part of Brake's annual Road Safety Week, Northumbria Police have published the head-cam videos in a bid to encourage vulnerable road users to submit footage of cars passing by them too closely.

More people are using bikes because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Police say they are concerned that the darker winter months will also lead to a spike in cyclists being put at risk due to cars driving by them at high speed.

The latest figures show an 11% increase in serious injury or fatal collisions involving cyclists.

Chief Insp Rennison has called on motorists to support the campaign and said poor cycling should not be compared to, or used an excuse for, poor driving.

She said: "It is only a minority of drivers who drive in such a dangerous manner that they put the lives of cyclists and pedestrians at risk.

Now, officers are trying to encourage the public to upload footage through their website in a bid to reduce the number of cyclists, pedestrians and horse riders put at risk by dangerous drivers.