SKIPTON’S traffic police have appealed for mutual respect between car drivers and cyclists as Craven prepares to play host to two major cycling events.

Traffic Sergeant Pete Stringer, of the Skipton Road Policing Group, said with the popularity of cycling continuing to grow, and with the approaching Tour de Yorkshire later this month, and the World Cycling Championships in September, there was concern that the number of cyclists being injured could rise.

“Since the Tour De France came to the region in 2014 officers have seen an increase in collisions involving cyclists, but also an increase in the number of reported conflicts between drivers and cyclists,” he said.

“Cyclists are vulnerable road users and drivers are reminded that they need to be patient and only pass when and where it is safe to do so.”

Sgt Stringer said the Highway Code was clear in its advice - cyclists should be given ‘plenty of room’ and also given ‘time and space’.

But, he added, it was equally important for cyclists to also abide with the Highway Code and to ride with consideration to other road users.

He said roads policing officers had been talking to Skipton Cycling Club to promote a code of conduct for its members with a view to making club rides as safe as possible for all and in accordance with the Highway Code.

As part of those discussions, the club has asked that drivers be reminded that roads do have pothole and other defects, which can mean that cyclists will ride around them.

“The club asks that drivers be more aware of defects in the road surface on many roads in the area that may mean that a rider has to suddenly move out from the line they were following to avoid pothole, and such like,” said Sgt Stringer.

“ It also points out that on club rides going two abreast, wherever safe to do so, actually shortens the distance that a car has to overtake to pass a group safely. It is meant to be safer for the cyclist and helpful to drivers.”

The four day Tour de Yorkshire will run from Thursday, May 2 until Sunday, May 5, with cyclists coming through Craven on the final day.

Similar to previous tours, rolling road closures will be in place, which will see roads closed for under an hour to allow the safe passage of the race. There will be longer delays at the race finish points, some hill climbs and town centre locations.

Road closures will be managed by police and signs will be put in place with details of the closures nearer the race weekend.

Sunday's final day of racing will start in Halifax at 12.35pm and finish in Leeds at around 5.15pm. Riders will follow a 130km route, passing through Skipton at 1.35pm; Barden Moor at 1.49pm, Kilnsey Crag at 2.17pm and the Cote de Park Rash at 2.31pm. Race information is available at; letouryorkshire.com