If you’re overtaking a cyclist you need to leave 5ft (1.5m).
That’s the message from Guernsey Police.
Drivers should never overtake a cyclist near a bend, junction, or zebra crossing, or when they are signalling to turn, officers said.
In a Facebook post, Police said: “When you are passing someone who is cycling, you should always leave a little extra space to ensure you are overtaking safely.”
Drivers, motorbike riders and other cyclist should also “take a moment before making a decision to pass to make sure that it’s safe to do so”.
They added: “Cyclists on the road are inherently more vulnerable than drivers, and so people in vehicles should always be patient and wait behind a cyclist if there isn’t enough room, or if it isn’t safe, to overtake.”
“Giving space to every other road user, pedestrian, driver, cyclist, horse rider, or otherwise, helps keep everyone safe.
“Patience and consideration keep our roads safer for all.”
What are the rules of the road in Guernsey?
Drivers in Guernsey have to follow the UK’s Highway Code, along with a set of additional Guernsey-specific rules.
According to the UK Code:
For any vehicle overtaking a cyclist, including another cyclist, the relevant guidance is:
- Only overtake when it is safe and legal to do so.
- Do not get too close to the cyclist before overtaking.
- Check mirrors and blind spots and signal where appropriate before moving out.
- Once you start overtaking, move past promptly while allowing plenty of room.
- Do not cut back in sharply after passing.
- Leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking a cyclist at speeds up to 30mph, and give them more space at higher speeds.
- Take extra care and leave more room in poor weather, including high winds, and at night.
- If it is not possible to maintain the required clearance, wait behind the cyclist rather than overtake.
- Do not assume you can follow another vehicle that is overtaking a cyclist. There may only be enough room for one vehicle to pass safely.
- If traffic is moving slowly in queues, cyclists are specifically permitted to pass slower-moving or stationary traffic on either the right or left, but should proceed with caution because drivers may not see them, particularly near junctions and when passing large vehicles.
- Cyclists may pass slower moving or stationary traffic – including other cyclists – on their right or left, but should proceed with caution as the driver may not be able to see you.
So, importantly, the 1.5-metre rule is not limited to cars overtaking cyclists.
The wording applies to vehicles generally, meaning a cyclist overtaking another cyclist should also be thinking about leaving sufficient clearance and only passing when it is safe to do so.
Additionally, the Guernsey Code also says motor vehicles and people leading animals (except dogs) must not use cycle lanes, tracks or shared paths, except where necessary to pass another vehicle or animal.
If they do need to use one to pass, they must do soon a way that’s safe for cyclists, pedestrians and other highway users.
