Police officers will take to the streets of London on bicycles as part of a new initiative launched to improve driver and cyclist safety.

Wearing plain clothes and video cameras, officers from the Met's Cycle Safety Team will pedal around the capital on unmarked bicycles in order to identify and deal with offences that deter people from cycling.

The initiative was launched on Friday (July 21) and will focus on preventing unsafe following or tailgating, unsafe turning across a cyclists path or unsafe overtaking.

Police officers will take to the street on unmarked bicycles

"Drivers passing too close is terrifying and off-putting to people cycling" said Ashok Sinha, chief executive of London Cycling Campaign.

Adding: "Most people cite road danger and near misses as major reasons why they don't cycle.

"The Highway Code requires drivers give safe space to cyclists when overtaking.

"This welcome operation on close passes will send a message to drivers in London to obey the Highway Code and stay wider of the rider."

Based on intelligence and complaints, officers will head to any location, at any time, ensuring drivers are obeying rules.

The initiative was launched on Friday (July 21)

Anyone committing an offence will be reported to a nearby marked police motorcycle rider who will proceed to stop the vehicle and ask the driver for evidence of insurance and a driving licence.

The driver will also need to pass a roadside eyesight test and have a vehicle roadworthiness test before being reminded of the Highway Code rules.

Professional drivers, however will be reported if they display examples of particularly bad driving, which could lead to a court appearance.

"We can't be everywhere but we could be anywhere," stressed sergeant Andy Osborne from the Cycle Safety Team.

He added: "This tactic is about education and encouraging motorists who do not comply with the rules of the road to start doing so - for everyone's safety and protection - theirs included."

Based on intelligence and complaints, officers will head to any location, at any time

"There is a lot of traffic in the capital and we all need to share the roads and be mindful of other road users," he said.

"In its simplest form, it's about being courteous to one another.

"By all road users obeying the Highway Code, collectively we can help lessen incidents of people being killed or seriously injured on the roads."

Havebike and London Cycling Campaign are supporting the initiative, providing 2000 car stickers reading 'I give space for cyclists', which will be given to motorists on the day.

The unmarked bicycles have been donated for the initiative by BMW.

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