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.

Does highway code apply to cyclists?

This section of the Highway Code is all about cyclists’ lights and reflectors. At night cyclists must have their white front and red rear lights lit. Their bicycles must also be fitted with a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors. Cyclists should use dedicated cycle lanes and routes wherever possible.

Does Rule 169 of the Highway Code apply to cyclists?

Rule 169 of the Highway Code does not mean that cyclists have to pull over for passing traffic, although police officers may suggest riding further to the left if it is safe to do so. It is also not an offence for two cyclists to ride alongside each other, nor is it illegal for them to ride on ‘A’ roads.

Do you need to indicate to overtake a cyclist?

Regardless of what type of road you’re travelling on, you should always indicate when overtaking another moving vehicle or changing lanes. When planning to overtake a cyclist with oncoming traffic, a brief signal is generally beneficial—especially when the road is relatively narrow.

How do you overtake a cyclist?

The Highway Code states that when overtaking a cyclist, drivers should give, ‘as much room as you would give a car’. It doesn’t specify a minimum distance that drivers must leave between the cyclist and their car, which is a source of confusion for many.

What should you do if you are overtaking a bicycle?

What should you do if you are overtaking a bicycle and an oncoming vehicle is approaching at the same time? You must slow down and let the vehicle pass first to give extra room to the bicycle.

Is cycling two abreast illegal?

Ride 2 abreast It’s perfectly legal for cyclists to ride two abreast on the road, so when you are off on a spin with your friends, feel free to cycle side by side. However, the highway code states that you can’t ride more than two abreast, and you can’t do it when on narrow roads or when cycling around bends.

What is Rule 66 of the Highway Code?

The current wording in the Highway Code under rule 66, says “you should never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends,” but British Cycling believes this should be the rule should be expanded.

How do you signal someone to overtake?

Use the right-turn indicator to signal that you want to overtake. Be sure the way ahead and behind is clear before overtaking. Check out for scooters or motor cycles that may be hidden from view in front of the vehicle you are about to overtake. Watch for vehicles in front that may be turning right.

Is overtaking illegal?

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.

How do you indicate when overtaking?

Yes you must always indicate when overtaking another moving vehicle whether on a single carriageway or dual carriageway. It is not mandatory however to signal to the left once you have passed the vehicle to acknowledge your intention of moving back onto your side of the road – although you may do so regardless.

When should you overtaking a cyclist?

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.

What should the highway code say about cyclists?

The current rules on overtaking distances. HC rules 162-169 deal with overtaking generally, with Rule 163 referring to the distance to leave when overtaking a cyclist, and advising drivers to overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so and “give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car”.

What’s the rule for overtaking a cyclist?

The Highway Code Rule 163 says to give cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would give overtaking a car. Don’t overtake a cyclist if you can see that the road ahead narrows – you could end up squeezing them off the road.

What are the rules for overtaking on a road?

These are all according to the Highway Code. Overtaking (162-163) Rule 162: Before overtaking you should make sure the road is sufficiently clear ahead road users are not beginning to overtake you there is a suitable gap in front of the road user you plan to overtake Rule 163: Overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so.

Is it illegal to overtake cyclists in the UK?

We often hear that undertaking in the UK is illegal – but is it really the case? See what the Highway Code has to say.