Motorists have been issued an important reminder about how to overtake cyclists. Failing to stick to these rules could see you breaking the Highway Code.
Speaking on social media platform X, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) explained exactly how drivers should manouver past bikes.
The DVSA posted: “When overtaking cyclists, give them as much room as you would when overtaking a car.
“Leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking at speeds of up to 30mph and give them more space if you’re driving at higher speeds, at night or in bad weather.” This is supported by official guidance in the Highway Code, which can be accessed online here.
Rule 163 of the Highway Code says you must “overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so”. As part of this it includes giving cyclists plenty of space.
On top of this, rule 212 says: “Give motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders, horse drawn vehicles and pedestrians walking in the road (for example, where there is no pavement), at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car (see Rules 162 to 167).
“Drivers should take extra care and give more space when overtaking motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders, horse drawn vehicles and pedestrians in bad weather (including high winds) and at night.
“If the rider looks over their shoulder it could mean that they intend to pull out, turn right or change direction. Give them time and space to do so.”
The Highway Code also states that if a cyclist is in the centre of a lane, you should allow them to stay there. Rule 213 stipulates: “On narrow sections of road, on quiet roads or streets, at road junctions and in slower-moving traffic, cyclists may sometimes ride in the centre of the lane, rather than towards the side of the road.
“It can be safer for groups of cyclists to ride two abreast in these situations. Allow them to do so for their own safety, to ensure they can see and be seen.
Cyclists are also advised to ride at least a door’s width or 1 metre from parked cars for their own safety.
“On narrow sections of road, horse riders may ride in the centre of the lane. Allow them to do so for their own safety to ensure they can see and be seen.”
Other rules involving overtaking say you must:
Pass horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles at speeds under 10 mph and allow at least two metres of spaceAllow at least two metres of space and keep to a low speed when passing a pedestrian who is walking in the road (for example, where there is no pavement)Take extra care and give more space when overtaking motorcyclists, cyclists, horse riders, horse drawn vehicles and pedestrians in bad weather (including high winds) and at nightYou should wait behind the motorcyclist, cyclist, horse rider, horse drawn vehicle or pedestrian and not overtake if it is unsafe or not possible to meet these clearances
For more information on the Highway Code, visit GOV.UK here.
