New road rules regarding motorists and cyclists are being investigated by the Department for Transport in the UK.
The DfT is reviewing proposals for new road rules to introduce a minimum distance for cars when overtaking cyclists.
The minimum distance has been proposed to improve safety for cyclists on the roads.
Under the Highway Code it currently say drivers should offer cyclists ‘plenty of room’ when overtaking.
It also states under rule 163 that drivers should “give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car.”
In February a new scheme called Operation Velo was launched by a police force in Cambridgeshire who introduced a minimum passing distance.
Under the scheme a 1.5-metre minimum overtaking distance was imposed.
Cycle-mounted officers then patrolled the streets to catch drivers not giving the appropriate distance.
Motorists that flouted rules faced a £100 fine and three penalty points, with the offence falling under careless driving.
A similar scheme to Velo could be rolled out across the UK if the proposals are approved.
Around 3,000 cyclists are injured every week in the UK and 100 are killed.
Cycling Minister Jesse Norman said: “We need to become a nation of cyclists, and this government wants to make cycling the natural choice of transport for people of all ages and backgrounds.
“We are determined to make cycling safer and easier across the country, and we are continuing to invest. Today we’re announcing an investment of £100,000 each in 3 innovative cycle safety projects, in addition to the recent £7 million of funding to improve cycle safety.
“This is all part of the first-ever statutory Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy.”