Cyclists and horse riders

By the end of this topic you can

• You can overtake cyclists and horse riders leaving the recommended space, or wait if you cannot.
• You can give way to cyclists going straight ahead when you turn.
• You can understand why cyclists sometimes ride in the middle of the lane or two abreast.
• You can open a car door safely using the Dutch Reach.
• You can approach and pass a horse calmly and slowly.

What you need to know and understand

• Leave at least 1.5 metres when overtaking a cyclist at speeds up to 30 mph, and more at higher speeds.
• Pass horse riders and horse-drawn vehicles at under 10 mph, leaving at least 2 metres.
• If you cannot give that space, wait behind until you can.
• You may cross a double white line to pass a cyclist or horse rider travelling at 10 mph or less, if it is safe.
• Cyclists may ride in the centre of the lane on quiet roads, in slow traffic and near junctions, and may ride two abreast.
• Do not cut across a cyclist or horse rider going ahead when you turn or change lane.
• At roundabouts, do not overtake a cyclist within their lane, and give them priority.
• You must make sure you do not hit anyone when you open your door.

Overtaking with room to spare

The Highway Code gives minimum distances for a reason. A cyclist may swerve round a pothole, drain cover or icy patch, and wind from a passing car can push them off line. Give even more room in bad weather, high winds and at night. If a rider looks over their shoulder, they may be about to move out or turn, so give them time.

Riders in the middle of the lane are usually doing it to be seen or because the road is too narrow for you to pass safely. Be patient. Stay well back and wait for a proper gap.

Turning, junctions and parked cars

• Before turning left, check your left mirror and blind spot for cyclists on your inside. If one is going straight ahead, let them go first.
• When turning right across queuing traffic, look for cyclists passing the queue on the inside.
• At traffic lights, keep out of the cycle box at advanced stop lines so riders can wait where you can see them.
• Before opening your door, check mirrors and look over your shoulder. Use the hand furthest from the door, the Dutch Reach, so your body turns and you see behind you.
• Cyclists are advised to ride at least a door's width from parked cars. Give them room to do it.

Meeting a horse

1. As soon as you see a horse on the road, slow down to no more than 10 mph.
2. Be patient. Do not sound your horn or rev your engine.
3. Watch the rider for signals to slow down or stop, and do as they ask.
4. When safe, pass wide and slow, leaving at least 2 metres.
5. Do not accelerate hard until you are well clear. Horses can bolt if startled.

Common mistakes

• Squeezing past a cyclist with oncoming traffic coming. Wait behind until there is a safe gap.
• Turning left straight after overtaking a cyclist. Stay behind if you are about to turn.
• Opening the driver's door without checking behind. Use the Dutch Reach every time.
• Getting frustrated when cyclists ride two abreast. It is allowed and often safer.
• Speeding up straight after passing a horse. Pull away gently.

Test yourself: Cyclists and horse riders

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Overtaking Cyclists in GB
• Highway Code Rules for Cyclists
• Passing Horses Safely