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Difficulty: MediumCyclists

You are travelling behind a cyclist on a street that has a traffic-calming pinch point ahead. What action should you take as you approach the feature?

  1. A
    Speed up to get ahead of the rider before the carriageway narrows
  2. Stay back behind the rider until both of you have cleared the constrictionAnswer
  3. C
    Drive through alongside the rider because cars have priority through traffic-calming features
  4. D
    Sound your horn and squeeze past the rider within the narrowed area

Answer

Stay back behind the rider until both of you have cleared the constriction.
Under the Highway Code, drivers must never overtake a cyclist through a traffic-calming pinch point or road narrowing where there is insufficient room to maintain a safe clearance of at least 1.5 metres. The correct action is to remain behind the cyclist, allowing them ample space and time to clear the restriction safely before considering an overtake.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the narrowing feature and assess available road width
Recognise that a traffic-calming pinch point restricts carriageway width, making it impossible to pass with safe clearance.
The Highway Code requires drivers to leave at least 1.5 metres of clearance when overtaking a cyclist.
2
Hold your position behind the cyclist at a safe following distance
The cyclist can position themselves centrally to negotiate the pinch point safely without feeling pressured.
Cyclists need the full width of the narrowed section to avoid roadside hazards and maintain balance.
3
Proceed through the feature behind the cyclist and only overtake when the road widens and is clear
A completely safe pass can be conducted later with full clearance and clear visibility.
Patience prevents collisions at constriction points.

Key Concept

Driver patience and minimum passing clearance rules for cyclists at road narrowing features
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Cyclists

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