The DVSA took to social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, with a warning for road users, motorists and drivers.
DVSA issues warning for drivers ‘overtaking’ cyclists over rule
DVSA has issued urgent advice for drivers who ‘overtake’ cyclists. The DVSA took to social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, with a warning for road users, motorists and drivers.
The DVSA stated: “When overtaking cyclists, give them as much room as you would when overtaking a car Leave at least 1.5m 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.”
Rule 163 states: “Overtake only when it is safe and legal to do so. You should not get too close to the vehicle you intend to overtake and give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders and horse drawn vehicles at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car.”
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As a guide, leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking cyclists at speeds of up to 30mph, and give them more space when overtaking at higher speeds.
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.
You 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.
Rule 166 states: “DO NOT overtake if there is any doubt, or where you cannot see far enough ahead to be sure it is safe. For example, when you are approaching a corner or bend or a hump bridge or the brow of a hill.”
Rule 167 states:” 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.
Other examples are where the road narrows, when you would force another road user to swerve or slow down.
Stay behind if you are following a cyclist approaching a roundabout or junction, and you intend to turn left. Do not cut across cyclists going ahead, including those using cycle lanes and cycle tracks.
