ROAD users in the Wee County were last week being urged to “take note and be observant” following "recent" serious injury collisions in the area.

Forth Valley Police Division issued the note on social media, asking road users to “be observant of vulnerable road users whilst on our road networks”.

When asked by the Advertiser, Police Scotland explained that a number of serious injury collisions had occurred in the area within the past year.

One took place last February on the A91 between Menstrie and Alva, involving a van and a cyclist.

The 52-year-old male cyclist in the incident suffered serious injuries and was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh in a “serious but stable” condition.

According to the division's social media post, those who can cause the greatest harm on the road have the greatest responsibility to reduce the risk they pose to others.

In the past, police have been promoting driving and cycling safety as part of Operation Close Pass.

Part of Rule 163 of the Highway Code, vehicles should “give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders and horse drawn vehicles at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car”.

In practice, this means at least 1.5 metres when overtaking a cyclist at speeds of up to 30mph and more space when overtaking at higher speeds.

Horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles should be passed with at least two metres of space at speeds under 10mph.

Motorists should allow at least two metres and keep to a low speed when passing a pedestrian who is walking in the road, for example when there is no pavement.