Driver awareness of cyclists and pedestrians

Advice for drivers.

Observing

• Always check for cyclists before pulling out or doing any manoeuvre. Cyclist often ride further out from parked cars to avoid being hit by opening doors.
• Stay alert and keep your eyes open for cyclists. Use your mirrors often to build up a clear picture of what is happening on the road
• When you see a cyclist, make eye contact if possible to show you have seen them.
• Use your indicators to signal your intentions and look out for their signals, such as if they look over their shoulder or make arm signals.
• Some places on the road are more dangerous for cyclists. Take care when:
  • pulling out from a junction – a cyclist may be hidden by other vehicles or come from a blind spot
  • coming up to a junction with a cyclist ahead of you
  • on a roundabout – especially if a cyclist is next to you or moving into your lane
  • on a narrow road with parked cars and no cycle lane

Opening your car door

When getting out of your car, try to open it with the hand that’s furthest from it. This turns your body so you can see if anyone is cycling or walking behind you.

Time and space for cyclists

Overtaking cyclists

When you pass a cyclist, leave a gap of at least 1.5 metres if you’re doing up to 30mph. If you’re going faster, leave even more space.

Where cyclists ride on the road

Cyclists may ride in the middle of their lane on quiet roads, in slow traffic, or when approaching a junction or a narrow section of road.

Cyclists are asked to be aware of drivers behind them and let them overtake when it’s safe — for example, by moving to one side or pulling over. But don’t pressure them. Wait until they can do so safely.

Advanced stop lines at traffic lights

Some traffic lights have two white lines across the road. The area between them is for cyclists. If the lights are amber or red, stop at the first line you reach. When the lights turn green, give cyclists time and space to move off before you go.

After overtaking a cyclist

Don’t turn left straight after passing a cyclist. They may not be able to slow down in time, which could cause a crash. Make sure you are well past them before you turn.

Who has priority on the road

At junctions

Cyclists going straight ahead have priority at junctions. So do people who are crossing the road or waiting to cross. You must give way to them.

On roundabouts

Give priority to cyclists on roundabouts. Do not try to overtake a cyclist while you are in the same lane as them. Let cyclists move across in front of you as they go around the roundabout.

Cycle lanes

If a cycle lane has a solid white line, stay out of it completely.

If it has a broken white line, you should still avoid it — only drive in it if there is genuinely no other option.