Can I be fined for overtaking a cyclist in my car?
CYCLISTS will now be on the roads more than ever before after The Highway Codes revamp.
However, if you get stuck behind a cyclist, will you get a fine for overtaking them?
Can I be fined for overtaking a cyclist?
It is possible for motorists to be fined for overtaking cyclists.
Drivers are allowed to overtake cyclists that are on the road but must give them plenty of space, as outlined in The Highway Code.
Under rule 163, it says: “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.”
However, if motorists are caught driving too close to cyclists as they overtake them, they run the risk of being fined £100 and obtaining three points on their licence.
Do cars have right of way over cyclists?
Under The Highway Code’s revamp for 2022, cyclists have now been given more power on the roads than ever before.
Drivers should not be cutting across cyclists, which are planning to travel ahead, when turning in or out of a junction or changing direction or lane.
Cyclists will also be given extra priority at roundabouts.
Drivers shouldn’t overtake them as they make their journey around, or get too close.
Cyclists must also be allowed to move across drivers paths as they go around the roundabout.
When should cyclists ride in the road?
In previous editions on The Highway Code, is was never mentioned what the road position of cyclists was.
Usually cyclists would ride close to the kerb on the left-hand side of their lane or on cycle lanes.
Now, cyclists will be able to ride in the middle of the lane at certain times, such as on quieter roads and in slower-moving traffic.
Rule 72 of The Highway Code says: Ride in the centre of your lane, to make yourself as clearly visible as possible, in the following situations:
On quiet roads or streets – if a faster vehicle comes up behind you, move to the left to enable them to overtake, if you can do so safely.
“In slower-moving traffic – when the traffic around you starts to flow more freely move over to the left if you can do so safely so that faster vehicles behind you can overtake.
“At the approach to junctions or road narrowing where it would be unsafe for drivers to overtake you.”
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