The Road Policing Unit of Surrey Police have produced a video to help motorists overtake cyclists safely.
The video shows a motorist approaching a cyclist in a residential area and provides guidance on what motorists need to consider such as zebra crossings, junctions and pedestrians in addition to the cyclist. They also outline that the motorist must provide at least a 1.5m gap when overtaking.
The police posted the video on Twitter stating: “We’ve made a little video to help drivers plan and overtake of a cyclist safely. The same advice would be relevant for overtaking a horse rider.
Passing too close is dangerous and scary. You could be dealt with for driving without due care and attention: 3 points + £100 fine.”
At the end of the video, the police provide the following guidance:
1. Don’t rush or force an overtake.
2. Give yourself time to develop a view.
3. If in doubt, wait.
4. When overtaking, ensure a gap of at least 1.5 metres between the cyclist and your vehicle, the bigger the gap, the better.
5. Once the overtake is complete, safely return to your side of the carriageway, ensuring you don’t cut in too quickly or brake immediately after.
Remember cyclists need space to manoeuvre around road defects (like potholes, ridges or debris) which you might not see from your vehicle.
We’ve made a little video to help drivers plan and overtake of a cyclist safely.
The same advice would be relevant for overtaking a horse rider.Passing too close is dangerous and scary.
You could be dealt with for driving without due care and attention: 3 points + £100 fine. pic.twitter.com/3TrBWJkuZ2
— RPU – Surrey Police (@SurreyRoadCops) December 13, 2017
