How closely can I overtake a cyclist in the road?

I know I'm supposed to leave a 1.5 metre gap when I'm passing a cyclist on the road, but if there's a white cycle line (on the same road not separate by curb), how much room should I leave? Am I allowed to pass closer (less than 1 metre)?

Asked on 14 May 2020 by Adam

Answered by Georgia Petrie

A line in the road doesn't mean you can pass cyclists closer than you legally should. In fact, you should always give the maximum amount of space you can for cyclists, they're vulnerable road users much like pedestrians.

Tags: cyclists overtaking

Similar questions

Can you overtake cyclists on double white lines?

A short way from my home is a hill approximately 2 miles in length. There are double white lines in the centre of the road. There are lots of cyclists on the road, mostly in groups and commonly at weekends....

Is it safer to drive in the middle lane of a motorway?

I am aware of the law around overtaking on a motorway but would like to know if your correspondence that complained about ‘middle lane hoggers’ is referring to cars driving slowly or at the posted speed...

Is it legal to overtake on the left?

Have I missed some change to the Highway Code and driving law whereby overtaking on the inside i.e. on the passenger side of the car is legal? I am experiencing this type of driving more and more, especially...