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Above: A terrifying compilation of helmet camera footage from a normal city cyclist. Advisory: Video contains some swearing.

Bikers groups have said some drivers ‘deliberately and aggressively’ target cyclists on the city’s roads, campaigners said.

West Midlands Police is the first force in the country to use undercover bikers as part of a crackdown on drivers who pass too close.

As part of the crackdown police have released terrifying footage of cyclists almost being knocked off by motorists.

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.

David Cox, Chair of Cycling UK’s Board of Trustees, who lives in the West Midlands, said: “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.

Below: Footage collected by police of near misses

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

Over the summer West Midlands Police 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 KSI crashes ( killed or seriously injured ) in the West Midlands involving bikes and the vast majority (84 per cent) saw riders colliding with cars.

Duncan Dollimore, Cycling UK’s Senior Road Safety and Legal Campaigner, said: “Cyclists have been campaigning about close passes for years, with limited success. The priority given to tackling close passes, and the appreciation of the danger they present for cyclists, has varied between police forces.

“This is the first time a police force has come forward with a plan to prioritise enforcement against close pass drivers. It is quite simply the best cyclist safety initiative by any police force, ever.

“West Midlands Police plan to combine enforcement and education to make sure drivers get the message that cyclists need space when being overtaken, and those who don’t give them space risk prosecution for careless driving. It is a simple but effective way to combat a long-standing concern and we hope other police forces around the country will follow their ingenious lead.”

Olympic gold medallist and cycling advocate Chris Boardman praised the scheme, which he saw first-hand this morning.

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.”