Cyclists & Motorcyclists

A cyclist has nothing between them and the road but balance. A gust of wind, a pothole, or a car passing too closely can be enough to bring them down — and unlike a stationary hazard, they can't simply move out of your way at the last second without losing control. That's why the Highway Code sets an actual passing distance, not just a suggestion to "leave some room."

Cyclists are allowed to ride in the centre of the lane on quiet roads, in slow-moving traffic, and when approaching junctions — not to block you, but because it makes them clearly visible and prevents drivers from squeezing past in a gap that isn't actually wide enough. Two cyclists riding side by side ("two abreast") is also legal, particularly useful on quieter roads or when riding with children or less experienced riders, though a considerate cyclist will usually move to single file when it helps traffic pass on a narrower road.

A cyclist passing a line of parked cars can be struck by a door opened without warning — a collision known as "dooring." The Dutch reach is a simple habit that prevents it: use the hand furthest from the door to open it. Reaching across your body naturally turns your head and shoulders toward the door and the road behind you, so you check your mirror and blind spot for a passing cyclist before the door swings open, rather than after.

A motorcycle presents a much narrower profile than a car, which causes two distinct problems at junctions. First, it can be hidden behind a windscreen pillar or another vehicle for the exact moment you glance that way. Second, because it's narrow and often approaches faster than expected, drivers can misjudge its distance and speed even when they do see it. The result is the classic "sorry, mate, I didn't see you" collision — pulling out of a side road or turning across a motorcyclist's path.