How to drive safe around cyclists
**As written for The Safe Driver.
Cyclists are becoming more common than ever on the roads as people look to save costs on fuel. Cycling is a healthy and cost-effective alternative to driving, and it’s often recommended to cycle for shorter journeys. However, it can cause issues for drivers, who are sometimes unsure of how to safely overtake.
More cyclists on the road is usually seen as a good thing for the environment and road congestion, but it could lead to greater problems if drivers aren’t sure on how to pass them. Because cyclists are unprotected, a collision can be much more severe, and therefore, it’s best to be cautious. In this guide, you’ll be able to learn more about how to safely drive around cyclists.
Bear in mind that cyclists themselves do also need to obey the rules of the road. Cycling as a sport is more popular than ever and is now available at most betting sites. The popularity of the sport has led to some people cycling too fast or ignoring the rules. If you do see someone cycling irresponsibly, you can report them.
Give them Space
While bikes are much smaller than cars, it’s still important to give them lots of room. If you’re driving alongside a cyclist, it’s a good idea to give them as much room as you would a car. This is because cyclists do have a lot of hazards to deal with and less protection from them. Avoid tailgating, even if the cyclist is going too slow, as this will only increase the risk of a serious accident should they need to come to a sudden stop.
If you’re unable to give them the space needed, it’s a good idea to slow down or attempt to pass them when safe to do so. Driving too close, either on the sides or from behind, is a hazard to both you and the cyclist. You should aim for a distance of around 1.5 meters or five feet.
Be Careful at Junctions
Any road user must pay attention at intersections. Many drivers, on the other hand, believe that all they have to do is keep an eye out for cars. However, it’s just as important to watch out for bikes, especially at junctions. A bicycle, which is much smaller and less visible than cars or other vehicles, may ride up behind you, seeking to pass you or filtering through traffic while you’re at a stop. It’s also important to be aware that cyclists in front of you may not see you.
When approaching any form of intersection, carefully move forward in your car so that you have a good view of both sides of the road. Keep a keen eye out for oncoming bikes in both directions. If you spot one, you should probably wait for it to pass before moving.
Overtake with Caution
Because cyclists travel slower than most cars, they have a tendency to hold up traffic. While this can be frustrating if you’re sitting behind a long queue of cars, it’s important to still be cautious when overtaking. If the road is very narrow or you’re on a hill or blind corner, overtaking should always be avoided.
Wait behind the cyclist, keeping enough space between you until it’s safe to make an overtaking maneuver. Always keep enough room between your car and the cyclist when you overtake, as this will avoid a collision should they need to move suddenly. You should avoid overtaking on a junction, instead of waiting behind them until you’re on the new road.
Watch Out While Turning
When turning onto a new road or switching lanes, it’s always important to look out for hazards. Cyclists are often difficult to see as they’re smaller than cars, but they can still move at high speeds. Before turning, make sure you look carefully and ensure that it’s safe to do so.
When approaching any form of intersection, carefully creep forward so that you have a good view of both sides of the road. Keep a keen eye out for oncoming bikes in both directions. If you spot one, you should probably wait for it to pass before moving.