Overtaking Cyclists and the law ...

[Snoopy1948]

I see that West Midland police are targeting motorists who fail to give cyclists sufficient room when overtaking. They are currently being given warnings at the roadside but have every intention to prosecute those who repeatedly offend or drive dangerously close ( under the charge of driving without due care and attention )'

I wondered how those that drive view this? The Highway code states 'When passing motorcyclists and cyclists, give them plenty of room' but the police are now apparently setting a leeway of one and a half metres minimum. I have always understood that figure to be six feet ( in old money ) to allow them to sufficient room should they literally fall to the right or be drawn into the vacuum of crosswind for larger vehicles. And when I make that exact manoeuvre, it always looks over exaggerated ( to my point of view ) but now it seems I am right.

I am all for the police stopping sloppy or inconsiderate driving and cyclists do need the protection of the law ( though some may think otherwise ) but I just wondered what argument the offending motorist would have in the case of intended prosecution as this could lead to a lot of them?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-37384899

[des8]

Re: Overtaking Cyclists and the law ...

.... so there you are in heavy two way traffic not able to allow 1.5metres so keeping safely behind pedal cyclist (whose legs are going nineteen to the dozen but only doing 5mph) and then be prosecuted for driving without due care (driving too slowly!!) lol

Seriously, as an ex biker, I personally am very aware of cyclists (pedal and motorised) and always TRY to give them sufficient room, but what is sufficient room will depend on the individual circumstances and judgement of the driver.

The problem of subjective judgements:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/mot...cing-mode.html

[charitynjw]

Re: Overtaking Cyclists and the law ...

A pedal-bike?.......in traffic?......
They must be mad!......cyclepathic!!

[Snoopy1948]

Re: Overtaking Cyclists and the law ...

.... so there you are in heavy two way traffic not able to allow 1.5metres so keeping safely behind pedal cyclist (whose legs are going nineteen to the dozen but only doing 5mph) and then be prosecuted for driving without due care (driving too slowly!!) lol

Seriously, as an ex biker, I personally am very aware of cyclists (pedal and motorised) and always TRY to give them sufficient room, but what is sufficient room will depend on the individual circumstances and judgement of the driver.

The problem of subjective judgements:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/mot...cing-mode.html

'Tis a veritable can of worms I suggest, especially in Brighton where bikes are two to the dozen. A few weeks back I drove some mile and a half behind one of those 'sporty cyclists' who seem to hack along at 25mph without trouble. Not only did he stay completely outside the prescribed 'dotted line' on the LHS ( surely this is where motorists are supposed not to stray ) but he hogged the middle of the road in direct competition to traffic. That would have meant straying into the other carriageway to avoid him.

I understand that the bulk of drivers 'tugged' in the West Midlands sting were commercials, light and heavy, and you can give some justice to that. But imagine if this initiative was rolled out nationwide? I am hoping that it is not a points matter as although I champion safe roads, I would hate it if cyclists could dictate their place while citing such infringements.

And in the meantime, and in line with Jensen Buttons driving test failure, we will also need to gauge better the width of everywhere we pass through. If you travel on buses, just take a look at the tightest of spaces these guys pass through without a second thought.

[Ripped-Off]

Re: Overtaking Cyclists and the law ...

Cyclists, get on my nerves. If the Police are stopping motorists, maybe they ought to stop the cyclist every time they go through a Red light....that makes my blood boil!!!

[Snoopy1948]

Re: Overtaking Cyclists and the law ...

Cyclists, get on my nerves. If the Police are stopping motorists, maybe they ought to stop the cyclist every time they go through a Red light....that makes my blood boil!!!

I have some sympathy for this .... cyclists have very few obligations as road users and that is encompassed in the Road Traffic Act and Highway Code. They have no need for insurance, road tax, MOT, etc and many act without due regard for the law. My anecdote above about trailing behind that cyclist for over a mile was frustrating enough made more so when we got to red lights, he took up position in the middle of the lane and promptly disappeared through red lights. I have this all in dashcam but what is the point? There is no identification of the offender to be sure. Perhaps we should tax bicycles and insist on basic training certification?


:duh:

[des8]

Re: Overtaking Cyclists and the law ...

Whilst agreeing cyclists can be a pain, and there is no legal requirement to carry third party insurance, it is a foolish person who rides without liability insurance, either specialist or as part of house hold cover.
Cyclists are also subject to the requirement that their bike is roadworthy ie brakes lights and general condition, and have to comply with various sections of RTAs
What you say about no MOT and not having to pay road fund licence also applies to cars built before 1963, and pedestrians (lol).

Because SOME cyclists act without consideration, please don't tar all with the same brush,

[Snoopy1948]

Re: Overtaking Cyclists and the law ...

Whilst agreeing cyclists can be a pain, and there is no legal requirement to carry third party insurance, it is a foolish person who rides without liability insurance, either specialist or as part of house hold cover.
Cyclists are also subject to the requirement that their bike is roadworthy ie brakes lights and general condition, and have to comply with various sections of RTAs
What you say about no MOT and not having to pay road fund licence also applies to cars built before 1963, and pedestrians (lol).

Because SOME cyclists act without consideration, please don't tar all with the same brush,

Couldn't agree more actually and they are the sons of tomorrow's greener world, so to speak. Having said that, the last time I was 'on my bike' was 1964 and 'on my motorbike' 1975. But of course this thread was raised to create awareness that we may now be actively watched as to how safer a clearance we give cyclists and not the twelve inches that we give them as a rule ........ there's a pun in there somewhere! :goodjob: