What is the law on overtaking cyclists?
Rule 139 of the Highway Code states “give cyclists at least as much room as you would a car when overtaking”. Rule 188 of the Highway Code states “When passing a cyclist give them plenty of room”. If they look over their shoulder while you are following them it could mean that they may soon attempt to turn right.
Can I overtake a cyclist?
When Is it Safe to Overtake a Cyclist? … So it’s safe to overtake a cyclist when: Overtaking is justified, and it won’t cause you to exceed the speed limit. The way ahead is clear – not just of oncoming traffic, but of side roads, driveways, bends, potholes, puddles, or anything else that might make overtaking dangerous.
When can you not overtake a cyclist?
Always avoid overtaking cyclists on bends, especially where you can’t see what’s around the bend. Avoid overtaking a cyclist when approaching a junction such as a T-junction or roundabout. Never overtake a cyclist if they look like they are going to change direction, especially crossing your path.
How do you overtake other cyclists?
When overtaking, give the other cyclist plenty of room so you won’t collide if they swerve suddenly. Make sure you pass on the right and let the other cyclist know you are passing, ahead of time. Once you’ve overtaken them, don’t veer in front too quickly as you might clip their front wheel.
When can you overtake legally?
It is illegal if there are signs or road markings clearly prohibiting it, or if it’s done in an unsafe, reckless or uncontrolled way. Examples of this include when you don’t have clear visibility of the road ahead – maybe in poor weather, such as rain or fog – or if you must break the speed limit in order to overtake.
Can you fail your driving test for not overtaking a cyclist?
A failed driving test for being too cautious often involves cyclists and technically, it’s often marked as ‘failing to make progress’. … Many driving tests are failed due to test candidates being too hesitant and not overtaking when the opportunity arises.
Is it illegal to overtake at a junction?
Do not overtake where you might come into conflict with other road users. For example: approaching or at a road junction on either side of the road. … when a road user is indicating right, even if you believe the signal should have been cancelled – do not take a risk; wait for the signal to be cancelled.
Can you overtake a cyclist on your driving test?
Another situation where you will be expected to overtake another vehicle during the driving test is if you are behind a very slow moving vehicle where it significantly impedes your progress, and then only if it is safe and legal to do so. Other forms of overtaking during the driving test is likely to be cyclists.
Is it illegal to overtake in a 30mph zone?
As long as the white lines in the middle of the road are dashed/broken – overtaking is permitted. The exact length of the dashes, and distance between dashes indicate how safe it is or isn’t. If the lines are solid, overtaking isn’t permitted and you could be prosecuted for careless driving even if you aren’t speeding.
Is it okay to overtake on the right?
The act states that overtaking should be done on the left side. … However, overtaking on the right is not illegal, given that the motor vehicle is on a highway or expressway that has four or more lanes. In both scenarios, the overtaking driver must signal and sound their horn before making an overtake.