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Difficulty: EasySafe and Courteous Overtaking

You intend to overtake a cyclist travelling ahead of you on an urban road with a 30 mph speed limit. What should you do to ensure the manoeuvre is safe and courteous?

  1. A
    Squeeze past within the same lane without crossing the centre road markings
  2. Allow at least as much room as you would give when overtaking a carAnswer
  3. C
    Flash your headlights repeatedly until the cyclist pulls over onto the pavement
  4. D
    Cut back into your lane immediately after clearing the cyclist's front wheel

Answer

Allow at least as much room as you would give when overtaking a car, ensuring at least 1.5 metres of clearance.
According to the Highway Code, drivers must give cyclists at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) of space when overtaking at speeds up to 30 mph, giving them as much room as they would when overtaking a motor vehicle. This courteous and safe approach ensures the cyclist is not destabilised by air turbulence or forced into the kerb.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Wait until there is a clear view of oncoming traffic and adequate space to pull fully into the opposite lane.
The vehicle is positioned to pass without endangering the cyclist or oncoming traffic.
Cyclists may need to alter course suddenly to avoid surface hazards such as potholes or debris.
2
Pass the cyclist leaving at least 1.5 metres of space at speeds up to 30 mph, and only move back left when well clear.
The manoeuvre is completed safely without causing draft turbulence or collision risk.
The Highway Code sets clear minimum passing distances to protect vulnerable road users.

Key Concept

Providing safe lateral clearance (at least 1.5 metres) when overtaking cyclists
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Safe and Courteous Overtaking

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