Cyclists say new high viz vests have resulted in drivers giving more space
Cyclists in Somerset are being offered free high viz vests this weekend which urge drivers to pass them safely
Last updated 9th Jun 2023
Free high viz vests are being given out to cyclists in Somerset this weekend - which urge drivers to pass them safely.
The vests have a sign printed on them asking drivers to give the cyclists 1.5 metres of space while overtaking.
It's part of a wider safety project by the Taunton Area Cycling Campaign, with money from Avon and Somerset Police's Road Safety Fund.
The vests are being given out at an event in Taunton's Goodlands Gardens tomorrow as part of the Big Green Week event which also falls during the 100th Bike week.
Ms Pip Sheard. chair of the cycling campaign group said: "Many current vest users have commented that wearing them while cycling makes them feel safer with more drivers giving them space when overtaking.
"Our supply of vests ran out but we had further requests. So we asked the police for a further grant to produce more so we can distribute them free.
"One cyclist told us that her high viz vest’ changed her life for the better."
"The Safe Pass advice is one of a series of safety messages in the recently updated Highway Code including the Dutch reach.
"This is designed to get people to think twice about opening car doors into the path of cyclists."