A CYCLIST claims he was the victim of a "close pass" incident on a stretch of Crewe road which is being targeted for a police and fire service safety campaign.

Covert officers are mounting the road safety operation along Nantwich Road as well as West Road and Congleton's Clayton By-pass tomorrow (Thursday) between 8am and 2pm.

They plan to ride along identified hot spot areas wearing body worn cameras and will be stopping drivers who pass too close.

Cycling campaigners say they have fielded complaints on the stretch of Nantwich Road/Crewe Road up to the junction with Broughton Lane near Tesco Express.

An unnamed cyclist has alleged an attempt was made to push him off his bike by a passenger leaning out of a passing car, which was straying into the bike lane.

He captured the incident which took place at 5.12pm on November 3 and says he has sent the camera footage to Cheshire Police.

Ben Wye, of ACTive Crewe Travel, believes it is an example of a growing disregard for cyclists by some motorists around the town.

Police are still investigating the death of Agnieszka Pocztowska, who was killed in a hit-and-run collision with a silver saloon car on Hungerford Road on September 14.

"There was a close pass incident that was filmed by a cyclist and he says that someone tried to push him off his bike from the passing car," said Mr Wye.

"Hopefully, this will be investigated by Cheshire Police. I've looked at the footage and he is clearly in the bike lane and the incident takes place near to Broughton Lane.

"It is worrying. I believe there have been five cyclists killed in the last six months in Cheshire East. Lots of people cycle – everybody at some point in their lives has to do without a car. But the empathy to them can be completely different from people when they get behind a wheel.

"We (ACTive Travel) have found that councils are being given massive amounts of money to put measures in place, but they have not done anything yet."

Cheshire Police says the joint operation is a bid to educate drivers and riders and help keep people safe on the roads.

They will demonstrate to drivers and riders how to stay safe using close pass mats and other road safety aids.

Those drivers stopped for driving too close will be educated on how to pass riders safely and, police say, officers will enforce the law where necessary.

Riders will also be invited to stop as part of the initiative and talk to officers and the Fire Service about how to keep themselves safe on their journeys, the importance of being visible to other road users and the significance of courteous riding.

Chief Insp. for Cheshire Police's Roads and Crime Unit, Rob Dickinson, says there has been an increase in the number of reports of 'close passes' where the safety of cyclists has been put at risk.

"This operation is about educating drivers to the vulnerability of cyclists and others riding on two wheels such as motorcyclists, and explaining the reasons why it is so important to leave enough space when overtaking," said the police chief.

"Everyone has the right to use the roads safely and we want all road users to be more considerate of each other, regardless of their chosen mode of transport"

Station Manager Andy Gray, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service's Road Safety Manager, said: "We will be offering education and advice to both drivers and cyclists, and will be demonstrating why it is crucial for both to be more aware of each other on the roads.

"Cyclists can feel extremely vulnerable when being overtaken by another vehicle, and we want everyone to feel as safe as possible on their journeys and to share the space."

Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: "Since the national lockdown, we have seen a big increase in the number of people who have taken up cycling and there has recently been a number of fatal collisions involving cyclists in Cheshire.

"One life lost on our roads is one too many. I want cyclists in Cheshire to feel safe on the roads and for drivers to have the right knowledge."

Cheshire East Council Cycling and Walking Champion Cllr Suzie Akers Smith, said: Safety on Cheshire East roads is cited as the main reason why many people do not cycle, so I am delighted that Cheshire Police have instigated this close pass initiative, the first step in helping the residents feel safer cycling on the roads.

"Cycling every day for short journeys, as well as it being fun, we will reduce congestion and improve our fitness."