The force has launched an operation that sees officers saddle up on some of the region’s busiest routes looking out for motorists who put cyclists at risk. 

Rules of the road stipulate motorists should give cyclists at least the same space as vehicles when overtaking. 

Anyone who doesn’t leave a minimum of 1.5 metres to pass is now running the risk of being prosecuted for driving without due care and attention. 

Over the summer WMP prosecuted 38 motorists for driving without due care and attention, with camera evidence supplied by cyclists or with evidence from officers. 

Between 2010 and 2014 there were 530 killed or seriously injured crashes in the West Midlands involving bikes and the vast majority – 84 per cent – saw riders colliding with cars. 

Regular operations – similar to ones that target drink drivers and speeding motorists – will now be rolled out across Birmingham. 

Olympic gold medallist and cycling advocate Chris Boardman praised the scheme, which he has seen at first-hand. 

Just two months ago his mother, Carol Boardman, died after a collision with a pick-up truck while she was cycling in North Wales. 

Mr Boardman, who is a policy adviser for British Cycling, said: “What West Midlands Police is doing is exciting and I think it is something that needs to be done by other forces. 

“When we get behind the wheel of a car we can get so wrapped up in our daily lives that it’s often forgotten that we share the road with other vulnerable human beings. We are in a ton of steel and more respect needs to be given to them. 

“This initiative is about trying to prevent accidents from happening in the first place.” 

When asked about criticism that is often levelled at cyclists by motorists, about jumping red lights and riding on pavements, he said: “It’s true that some cyclists are just as capable at being as irresponsible and rude as drivers. 

“But it’s logical for the police to begin the process by dealing first with those who have the potential to cause the most harm.” 

David Cox, chair of trustees at cycling charity UK Cycling, joined the accolades for WMP. He said: “We are delighted that West Midlands Police is to actively target close pass drivers. They are the first UK police force to do so and it is a priority if the West Midlands is going to achieve the health, congestion and sustainability benefits of more active travel. 

“Close passes by motorists are hazardous for cyclists and extremely intimidating; this may be due to ignorance of the Highway Code and carelessness but sometimes it is done deliberately and aggressively.  

“The outcome will mean greater safety for everyone who cycles or would like to use a cycle for everyday trips.” 

The operation involves police officers on bicycle calling in details of close-pass drivers to colleagues in cars further down the road who intercept them at designated holding points. 

The drivers are offered a brief 15-minute road-side course on safe overtaking, which includes the use of a visual floor mat with safe overtaking distances printed on it. 

The force has warned that any repeat offenders, or anyone deemed to have driven dangerously close to a cyclist, will be prosecuted. 

WMP traffic officer and cyclist, Police Constable Mark Hodson, said: “As a police force w