Handling Cyclists on the Road

Cyclists are a big deal when it comes to driving, but fortunately for us, Richard Jenkins wrote a wonderful article about this topic. Here it is.

How Car Drivers Should Deal With Cyclists

As the cost of owning and driving a car increases more and more people are becoming cyclists. On congested roads the cycle is often a quick and effective means of transport. However many drivers seem to have zero respect for cyclists. This is wrong. Yes some cyclists pay little attention to the rules of the road and this certainly causes some drivers to consider cyclists as little more than a nuisance but the truth is those who choose to cycle are making our increasingly overcrowded roads less overcrowd. This means that us drivers should show them not only respect but also treat them with courtesy whenever we encounter them on the roads.

The following details how drivers can make the life of cyclists a little more comfortable.

When overtaking a cyclists always allow them as much room as you can, at least as much as you would when overtaking a car. A cyclist may need to avoid an object that you the driver can't see such as a drain and in doing so veer into the road. If another vehicle is coming towards you as you approach a cyclist and continuing forward would mean having to squeeze past the cyclist then you should slow down, let the vehicle pass and then overtake the cyclist.

When driving in slow moving traffic be mindful that a cyclist may overtake you on your inside. To lessen the changes of hitting such a cyclists always check your left side mirror before pulling into the kerb or turning left.

Many cyclists find roundabouts a daunting experience. To feel safer many stay in the left-hand lane even when intending to turn right. Whenever you see a cyclist on a roundabout give them plenty of room and allow them adequate time to finish their manouvre.

When approaching a left turn if you see a cyclist ahead slow down and hold back until the cyclist has made the turn. Overtaking then before they have made they turn may result in you having to cut in front of them to complete the turn.

When driving on narrow, twisting county roads always be on the look out for cyclists. The bends most country roads have can easily make it difficult to see a cyclists.

In low light conditions and at night all cyclists should have working lights however not all do. This can make it even harder to see them. Cycle lights can also be hard to spot amongst brighter car and other vehicle lights.

When the wind is strong cyclists can be blown off course and find it hard to keep going in a straight line so when overtaking them allow them extra room.

About the Author

Richard Jenkins is owner of the driving test and UK driving schools website. A site for learner drivers providing guides on topics such as the driving theory test and cheap young drivers car insurance .

Thank you Richard for this wonderful article!

Yours,
Nadav

nadavs