The Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner has teamed up with the Carmarthenshire Cycle Forum to launch a road safety campaign where motorists are being reminded to give a minimum 1.5m clearance when overtaking cyclists.

According to the Forum it has become the number one reason given by cyclists as to why they avoid busy roads, despite wanting to take whole journeys by bicycle.

The Carmarthenshire Cycle Forum therefore asked the Police and Crime Commissioner to help raise awareness of the campaign and support encouraging mutual respect on the roads between cyclists and motorists.

The Police and Crime Commissioner has donated money to the forum to get the logo ‘Give me 1.5m’ printed on the back of cyclists jerseys, which will be a visible reminder to motorists on the back of cyclists clothing. It is hoped that this initiative will receive a positive response from motorists and lead to mutual respect on the roads, and give cyclists the confidence to cycle on busier routes in Carmarthenshire.

Phil Snaith, Chair of Carmarthenshire Cycle Forum, hopes the campaign will encourage drivers to slow down and give cyclists a wider berth.

He said: "Drivers need to be aware that the 1.5m is necessary for cyclists who are often confronted with glass/pot holes/drains and therefore need to swerve.

"At the same time we are aware that some cyclists also need to behave better and not command too much road by cycling more than two abreast and indeed would encourage single width cycling on busier roads.

"As well as the Commissioner’s support, we’ve also had invaluable assistance by Manhatten Marketing in Llanelli towards developing the printing and design and would like to thank them in supporting this campaign."

Dafydd Llywelyn, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed-Powys added: “With the increased interest in cycling over recent years we have seen more cyclists on our roads.

"It’s important that this message is understood by all road users to reduce the chances of collisions, and to promote supporting those wanting to cycle to lead a healthier lifestyle.

"This small donation supports the promotion of this critical message across the Dyfed Powys Police area, but I hope it will go a long way towards encouraging mutual respect on our roads."