The new-ish rules for overtaking bikes

[travellingwest]

Since returning to cycling, the vast majority of motorised vehicle drivers have been extremely courteous, giving me the requisite wide berth overtaking. Not once have I felt unsafe. Not that the roads I've been cycling on are very busy right now but they will be as soon as Easter appears (high tourist area); by that time I will have regained all my confidence.

However, this morning, on a perfectly clear 2-way road, at 7.15am, not another car in sight, the driver behind me decided to not overtake me but crawl behind me, rather too close. I'd forgotten how intimidating that can feel. And how unnecessary. I actually pulled over into a smaller side road turning just to get him off my tail. Presumably this 1.5m or 5ft distance not only applies to width but length between vehicle and bicycle?

 

[roubaixtuesday]

Since returning to cycling, the vast majority of motorised vehicle drivers have been extremely courteous, giving me the requisite wide berth overtaking. Not once have I felt unsafe. Not that the roads I've been cycling on are very busy right now but they will be as soon as Easter appears (high tourist area); by that time I will have regained all my confidence.

However, this morning, on a perfectly clear 2-way road, at 7.15am, not another car in sight, the driver behind me decided to not overtake me but crawl behind me, rather too close. I'd forgotten how intimidating that can feel. And how unnecessary. I actually pulled over into a smaller side road turning just to get him off my tail. Presumably this 1.5m or 5ft distance not only applies to width but length between vehicle and bicycle?

I would just wave them past. Did that on a minor road yesterday - turned out to be a police car!

 

[Ajax Bay]

I try to resist the temptation to 'wave them past', but fail some of the time.
One does not know what type of vehicle they are (without undue over the shoulder ascrutiny) and even then you can't see the trailer that might 'get you'. Nor can you know how much acceleration they can muster.
I bear in mind if a pass goes pear shaped, whether I'm alive or dead, the waved on passer will say: "they waved me through".
Would also observe that if one slows right down and pulls right over (I occasionally do), letting/forcing the vehicle past, the most dangerous moment is yet to come: you rejoining the carriageway. There may be another vehicle tailgating.
You're welcome.

Presumably this 1.5m or 5ft distance not only applies to width but length between vehicle and bicycle?

If by "length" you mean they shouldn't be closer than 5ft behind, 'crawling', I bet they weren't <2m behind: it just feels like it sometimes. @mjr can say whether the Hiughway Code could be interpreted in that way.

 

[All uphill]

I agree that having a car close behind can feel worrying, but I remind myself that they have already slowed to my speed, showing some consideration.

I don't engage with them by speeding up or slowing down, or waving them past. Occasionally I may pull over, but usually I let them continue to develop their aptitude for patience.

 

[presta]

Presumably this 1.5m or 5ft distance not only applies to width but length between vehicle and bicycle?

If they're following behind they need to leave enough room to stop without hitting you.

One does not know what type of vehicle they are (without undue over the shoulder scrutiny)

My experience of looking over my shoulder is that previously patient drivers interpret it as an invitation to overtake immediately, regardless of whether it's appropriate.

 

[albion]

This happens near every day for me. I try to wave them by when I find an appropriate vergey section. Long tailbacks ensue, as did a few days ago, so pulling in reduces risks.
Remember, many people wisely err on the side of caution .

For every cautious driver I get 2 or so close passes. I know which I prefer !

 

[ebikeerwidnes]

Most driver I have come across have been reasonable

If I am holding someone up I do try to pull over if that is the only way they can get past
and mostly that seems to be appreciated

Have had a couple of morons - but not excessively bad

 

[Ian H]

If they're following behind they need to leave enough room to stop without hitting you.

My experience of looking over my shoulder is that previously patient drivers interpret it as an invitation to overtake immediately, regardless of whether it's appropriate.

I seldom wave drivers past, but I do use the head-turn to indicate that I know they're there and also as a subtle indication that they can pass at their own discretion.

 

[Gwylan]

This happens near every day for me. I try to wave them by when I find an appropriate vergey section. Long tailbacks ensue, as did a few days ago, so pulling in reduces risks.
Remember, many people wisely err on the side of caution .

For every cautious driver I get 2 or so close passes. I know which I prefer !

It's the "stitch that" cut in that really annoys me. Also known as "your bum looks big love" manoeuvre.

 

[SteveH80]

Most drivers around here are great, but I also get those that 'choose to follow'. I guess it's because they are nervous drivers and aren't sure about overtaking along a quarter of a mile of straight, empty road. It does come become embarrassing when they have a convoy of other vehicles behind them, at that point I pull over in the next field gate and let them all get past.

 

[Drago]

I appreciate the thought but ignore other road users who wave me past.

I overtake when I and I alone believe it is safe and appropriate to do so.

 

[albion]

I prepare them for the overtaking manouevre, I wave them on then signal a 2nd time that I am pulling in. HGV drivers, by neccessity, nearly always watch for the clues. Same for bus drivers.

 

[midlandsgrimpeur]

I overtake when I and I alone believe it is safe and appropriate to do so.

I have no doubt you know when to pass, problem is the number of drivers that don't. Cycled home today, one of the back roads is undulating, after a slight crest there is a large dip. As a rider I can see down and notice any cars, any driver behind me can't. Had one today, heard her rev and started accelerating to overtake, I could see the oncoming car, I pulled across the road and signalled to brake, fortunately she paid attention and saved herself from a head on crash.

 

[lazybloke]

As a passenger in my wife's car, I've risk "attitude" by occasionally commenting on the way she overtakes cyclists.
Plus I set an example of being very patient and passing WAY over (ie giving loads of space).
And not tailgating whilst waiting to pass.

Her driving has improved as a result.
Not just the other 34 million car drivers to sort out...

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I overtake when I and I alone believe it is safe and appropriate to do so.

And promptly swerve back as Ross Kemp appears with a baseball bat.