POLICE may consider using plain clothed officers on bikes as part of a new scheme to protect cyclists in Dorset from serious crashes.

Just months after Bournemouth was named the fourth most dangerous place for cycling outside of London, Dorset Police say they would look at a new scheme which is being trialled in Hampshire.

The 'close pass' scheme is set to be rolled out by Hampshire Police in an attempt to catch drivers who pass too close to cyclists.

It will see plain clothed officers on bicycles take to the streets in a bid to catch drivers who put cyclists at risk.

The ‘close pass’ scheme has been rolled out in the West Midlands, with feasibility studies set to be undertaken around Hampshire in the coming months.

The force's chief inspector, Henry Parsons, said: “The close pass initiative looks excellent and we are making preparations to use it across Hampshire. A launch date is anticipated soon.”

The overtaking space for a car passing a cyclist is currently 1.5 metres, with the West Midlands Police trial catching 130 drivers in nine outings.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: "Cyclists are recognised by the Dorset Roadsafe partnership as a vulnerable road user group.

"Over the years Dorset Roadsafe has carried out a number of cycle safety initiatives including enforcement, the issue of free cycle lights and reflective gear and education at both schools and foreign language colleges.

"The Dorset Road Death Overview Panel is a multi-agency group that considers what action can be taken to deal with specific types of collisions involving fatalities.

"The last type of collisions looked at were those involving motorcyclists and ‘Operation Wheels’ was recognised by a national award.

"The next type of collisions looked at will be those involving cyclists. As part of this the ‘close pass’ initiative will be considered for suitability in Dorset.

Last year figures from the Department for Transport revealed there were 139 casualties, 15 of them children, following crashes in Bournemouth.

Of those 18 adults and three children suffered serious injuries. In Poole 61 people including two children, were injured with 13 adults seriously hurt.

The statistics prompted assurances from Bournemouth council that the local authority was committed to improving safety for cyclists.