How to overtake cyclists video
10th August 2015
Carlton Reid has produced a video called 'How to Overtake Cyclists.' Released today, the video was filmed in Exeter, is presented by Chris Boardman, and demonstrates rule 163 of the Highway Code in practice.
SPACE from carltonreid on Vimeo.
The video begins with Boardman explaining that people on bikes are not just obstacles, but flesh and blood, and they need motorists to give them space when overtaking. He goes on to talk about the way cyclists make small adjustments from side to side, rather than riding in a straight line, for example to take account of potholes. The space they use is called 'the dynamic envelope.'
Driving instructor Blaine Walsh features in the video, explaining how rule 163 of the Highway Code, on giving cyclists plenty of room, should be put into practice. He refers to Youtube videos showing 'incredibly dangerous and close overtaking of cyclists.' He says that the drivers shown in those clips are not aware of what the Highway Code says about overtaking cyclists, and he runs through the provisions of rule 163 - give vulnerable road users at least as much space as you would when overtaking a car. He demonstrates how to do that in practice, including waiting until he can see far enough ahead to know that it's safe to overtake. He pulls right across to the other carriageway for his overtake.
There are also examples of good overtakes from cyclists' headcams.