Sharing the road with cyclists - Road Traffic Accidents

Home » News & Knowledge » Road Traffic Accidents: Sharing the Road with Cyclists

As the weather warms up, cyclists get back on their bikes and enjoy the sunshine.

Drivers can become hot-headed with cyclists ‘slowing them down’ or ‘blocking the road’, but in reality, both are welcome to be there. Mis-information and miseducation can also add fuel to the fire, and leave drivers questioning a cyclist’s actions.

Sharing the Road

However, new highway code guidelines state that two cyclists can ride side-by-side and it can be safer to do so in large groups and with less experienced cyclists. Meanwhile, it is also encouraged that cyclists ride in the centre of their lane on quiet roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions or road narrowings.

Figures show that in 2022, 91 pedal cyclists were killed in road traffic accidents in Great Britain, and 4,056 were seriously injured.

What drivers need to know

Cycling UK has identified a range of actions from drivers that put cyclists at risk or are known to cause injuries and fatalities, particularly:

Failing to look before turning at junctions and/or roundabouts;
Speeding;
Distraction (e.g. by mobile phones);
Close overtaking (including on bends); and
Opening car doors without looking.

Highway Code guidance for drivers

According to the Highway Code, drivers may cross a double-white line if necessary (provided the road is clear) to overtake someone cycling if they are travelling at 10 mph or less (Rule 129).

There is updated guidance on safe passing distances and speeds for people driving or riding a motorcycle when overtaking vulnerable road users, including:

Leaving at least 1.5 metres (5 feet) when overtaking people cycling at speeds of up to 30mph, and giving them more space when overtaking at higher speeds. Wait behind them and do not overtake them if it’s unsafe or not possible to meet these clearances.

Highway Code guidance for cyclists

Cycling in shared spaces

People cycling should respect the safety of people walking in these spaces, but people walking should also take care not to obstruct or endanger them.

People cycling are asked to:

Not pass people walking, riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn vehicle closely or at high speed, particularly from behind
Slow down when necessary and let people walking know they are there (for example, by ringing their bell)
Remember that people walking may be deaf, blind or partially sighted
Not pass a horse on the horse’s left

Positioning in the road

There is updated guidance for people cycling about positioning themselves which includes:

Riding in the centre of their lane on quiet roads, in slower-moving traffic and at the approach to junctions or road narrowings
Keeping at least 0.5 metres (just over 1.5 feet) away from the kerb edge (and further where it is safer) when riding on busy roads with vehicles moving faster than them

Cycling in groups

The updated code explains that people cycling in groups:

Should be considerate of the needs of other road users when riding in groups
Can ride 2 abreast – and it can be safer to do so, particularly in larger groups or when accompanying children or less experienced riders

People cycling are asked to be aware of people driving behind them and allow them to overtake (for example, by moving into single file or stopping) when it’s safe to do so.

Road Traffic Accidents: Sharing the Road with Cyclists