How to overtake cyclists

Trying to overtake cyclists can be tricky, especially when you are on your driving test. Sometimes we overanalyse it, becoming hesitant, or make rash decisions, such as trying to overtake a cyclist on a bend, or opposite a junction.

Whether you have your driving test coming up soon or you just want some tips on how to overtake cyclists, we’ve got your questions covered below.

• What is the law on overtaking cyclists?
• How much room should you leave when overtaking a cyclist
• Can you overtake a cyclist on a solid white line or broken white line?
• Do you have to indicate when overtaking a cyclist?
• Where should you never overtake a cyclist
• Further tips on what not to do
• How to overtake cyclists safely
• Safety tips for drivers overtaking cyclists

What is the law on overtaking cyclists?

Taking time to read and fully understand the main points stated in the Highway Code is the foundation for becoming and staying a safe driver.

There are three main rules in the Highway Code regarding driving alongside cyclists.

1. Rule 162: The rule states that, before attempting to overtake a cyclist, you must review the road ahead to ensure that it is clear without oncoming traffic. There must also be a large gap in front of the cyclist so that you can pass them without having to cut in quickly.
2. Rule 163: This rule states that when you overtake, you must leave plenty of room between you and the cyclist. They recommend leaving as much room as you would when overtaking a car. Do not prolong overtaking. Once you have moved out to go around the cyclist, continue to overtake quickly in case a vehicle suddenly appears ahead. Once you have passed the cyclist and are at a safe distance ahead, move straight back over into your lane.
3. Rule 140: This rule relates to cycle lanes. When approaching a cycle lane, there will be visible signs and road markings. If the road marking is a solid white line, it means you cannot stop, park or drive in this lane; it is for cyclists only. A dashed line indicates an advisory cycle lane, meaning you can enter the lane but only if it is absolutely unavoidable, for example, if there are road works and you are forced to drive into the lane to go around them.

How much room should you leave when overtaking a cyclist

You should leave plenty of room between you and the cyclist. Do not overtake a cyclist unless you can pass them with at least 1.5 metres between them and you. To gauge a metre, imagine the length of an open car door. Ideally, if possible, leave the width of a car.

Always apply a “less space, less speed” approach. This means that if you are passing them at 60-70mph, you need to leave plenty of space to allow for gusts of wind, sudden changes of direction, and more.

Can you overtake a cyclist on a solid white line or broken white line?

As a general rule, you should not overtake over double white lines if the nearest to you is a solid line. However, the Highway Code does allow you to overtake on a solid line if the cyclist is going at 10 mph or less.

If the nearest line to you is a broken white line you may cross the lines to overtake if it is safe, provided you can complete the manoeuvre before reaching a solid white line on your side. White direction arrows on the road indicate that you need to get back onto your side of the road.

Do you have to indicate when overtaking a cyclist?

You do not always need to indicate when overtaking a cyclist – you should determine first if it will help or confuse other road users.

Examples of when you should indicate when overtaking:

• If you are planning of crossing into the opposing lane of traffic to overtake, you should wait for a suitable gap and signal to warn oncoming traffic that you are planning on crossing into their lane.
• If it’s not obvious to traffic following you that you plan to overtake then signalling can let vehicles behind you know your plans.

Examples of when you do not need to indicate when overtaking:

• If a signal would confuse other road users, for example at a roundabout or junction.
• If the road is wide, you have plenty of space to overtake without having to cross into oncoming traffic and your plan to overtake is obvious to other road users, a signal might not be necessary.

Also, after passing a cyclist, it’s rarely necessary to signal again. On a dual carriageway, if you are about to change lanes again then signalling may help inform other road users what you are doing. On a single carriageway, signalling again is unlikely to add any benefit.

Where should you never overtake a cyclist

• Never overtake cyclists on bends, especially where you can’t see what’s around the bend.
• Avoid overtaking a cyclist when approaching a road junction such as a T-Junction or roundabout.
• Never overtake a cyclist if they look like they are going to change direction, especially if you think they may cross your path. Watch out for their body language and arm signals.
• Never overtake if there is not enough room to do so (see above).
• Don’t overtake a cyclist if they are approaching puddles or potholes. They’re likely to steer around them.
• Never pass a cyclist if it means splashing them with a large puddle.
• Avoid overtaking a cyclist when on the brow of a hill or approaching dead ground. This is more common when taking your driving lessons in Colchester and similar areas, where popular routes can involve rural roads.
• If a cyclist seems prepared to overtake another road user, then hold back and let them perform their overtake first.

Further tips on what not to do

Never sound your horn at a cyclist, unless it’s an emergency and you need to make them aware of your presence. Sounding the horn may startle them, cause them to overreact and swerve into your path or someone else’s.

Never rev your engine as you pass them or suddenly put your foot down. This can be intimidating for cyclists and lead them to startle or take risks. Always remain respectful when you drive past.

How to overtake cyclists safely

Only overtake a cyclist if there is plenty of space, it’s safe to do so and the cyclist is doing well below the speed limit for the road.

If there are several cyclists riding in a pack, you will need to be mindful of everyone. Look at their body language. Are they looking over their shoulders? Are they paying attention? If it’s safe, then proceed with the overtake.

Safety tips for drivers overtaking cyclists

Sharing the road with a cyclist shouldn’t be a worry. Here are our top tips on how to remain safe when driving alongside cyclists:

• Weather conditions: Always be extra wary around cyclists when the weather is more severe, and conditions could become dangerous. Allow cyclists extra room when driving in the wind as they are more likely to swerve. They are considerably lighter than any vehicle, so can easily be caught by the wind. This is the same when driving in the rain, and cyclists can suddenly slip or get caught out by a hidden pothole.
• Location: Although we have already discussed laws involving overtaking, it must also be highlighted that you should only ever overtake on a wide road. Never overtake on a narrow country road or a tight bend.
• Observations: As a driver, you should always be aware of your surroundings. You must keep your eye on the road and your blind spots at all times. This will help you to react quickly should a hazard suddenly appear or things not go to plan.
• MSPSL: Always apply the MSPSL routine when overtaking cyclists and motorbikes. If you see something in your mirrors approaching from behind, re-check your mirrors before continuing the routine. Sometimes, you need more than one check in the mirrors to work out if a vehicle is going to try to pass you. If a vehicle passes, restart the routine. In some instances, such as going up a hill, you may need to drop down a gear to overtake the cyclist cleanly, clearly and swiftly. If it helps, break the routine down to M, S, P, S, G (gear), Look.
• Signalling: Unlike vehicles, cyclists must signal their turns using hand signals. However, never presume you know what a cyclist will do, even if they signal clearly. It is always safest to wait until the cyclist has started to make the turn before following behind or drive past.
• Traffic lights: Many traffic lights consist of both a lane for vehicles and a lane for cyclists, particularly in busy city areas or coming up to a large roundabout. Whether this is the case or you have a more traditional roundabout where a cyclist will share your lane, always allow time for the cyclist to move off first when the traffic lights turn green. Never try to cut out ahead or overtake. Understand that they do not have as much power and speed as a car.
• Stay calm: Cyclists should never try to cut in front or overtake while stationary or at a traffic light to get ahead. If this does happen, try to stay calm and not react to the cyclist. Your vehicle has a lot more power than their bicycle, and reacting to them risks an accident.
• Consider every cyclist on an individual basis: Do they look like an experienced cyclist? Do they understand the Highway Code? Often the way they are dressed (no helmet and hire bike) is a clue to their experience and understanding of the rules of the road. In the picture below, you can see that many of the cyclists don’t look experienced, and these types of road users should be approached with even more caution. You can expect to see this in central London, but also while taking driving lessons in Oxford and other large university or tourist cities, too.

Learning to share the road

Driving alongside cyclists is becoming a normal part of everyday traffic. The amount of practice you get at this will depend on your local area and how cycling there is encouraged. For example, cities have introduced cycling lanes, rental schemes and road cycling clubs, increasing the popularity of cycling in the area. Therefore, if you are having driving lessons in Sheffield or London, you will quickly become comfortable with how to safely share the road. Even if you do not have much opportunity to practice because there are not many cyclists near you, stay cautious and respectful when you do come across them on the road. Remember to stick to the tips mentioned above, and sharing the road with cyclists will not be an issue.