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Question

Difficulty: MediumConsideration for Vulnerable Road Users

You are driving along a 30 mph residential road and approaching a traffic-calming road narrowing. A cyclist ahead is riding towards the narrow section in your lane. What should you do?

  1. A
    Accelerate past the cyclist immediately, leaving under a metre of clearance before entering the narrow section
  2. B
    Flash your headlights aggressively to assert priority over the cyclist and signal oncoming traffic to give way
  3. Stay behind the cyclist at a safe distance and allow them to pass through the narrowing before attempting to overtakeAnswer
  4. D
    Pull out to overtake without checking your blind spots for other road users who may be filtering or passing

Answer

Stay behind the cyclist at a safe distance and allow them to pass through the narrowing before attempting to overtake
Under the UK Highway Code, drivers must show consideration for vulnerable road users by giving them plenty of time and space. At road narrowings, chicanes, and traffic-calming features, there is insufficient room to overtake safely. Drivers should hold back at a safe separation distance, allow the cyclist to clear the narrow section first, and only overtake when the road widens sufficiently to leave at least 1.5 metres of passing clearance.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the hazard and assess the road layout ahead
Recognise that the road narrows at a traffic-calming feature and that a cyclist ahead requires the full width of the narrowed lane.
Traffic-calming features significantly reduce carriageway width, making safe overtaking impossible within the constriction.
2
Apply Highway Code guidance regarding vulnerable road users at road restrictions
Decide to remain well back at a safe following distance instead of attempting to overtake.
Rule 163 and Rule 212 of the Highway Code advise drivers not to overtake cyclists immediately before or within road narrowings or pinch points.
3
Proceed through the narrowing once clear and only overtake when safe
Pass safely after the restriction where at least 1.5 metres of clearance can be provided.
Ensures complete safety and demonstrates a considerate, patient driving attitude.

Key Concept

Giving vulnerable road users adequate space, patience, and priority through traffic-calming features and road narrowings
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Consideration for Vulnerable Road Users

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