The majority of drivers still don’t know about the change to the Highway Code introduced in 2022. This states that you must leave a gap of at least 1.5 metres/4.9 feet when driving past a cyclist at speeds of up to 30mph – and even wider if you’re travelling at higher speeds.

Ignorance of rules

Almost three out of five motorists (58%) aren’t even aware there had been a change to the rules, according to a survey by road safety charity IAM Roadsmart. Its poll data revealed nearly a fifth of drivers thought passing with a one-metre gap was the recommended amount. Also, nearly a third of drivers surveyed said that they’d seen vehicles and motorcyclists passing cyclists at a distant that they thought was too close.

Shockingly, almost a fifth of drivers polled said that they had seen drivers and motorcyclists overtaking cyclists on blind bends.

Common sense

According to research by IAM Roadsmart, complaints from cyclists about vehicles passing too close to them have reached record levels, too.

For instance, in 2021, there were 7,249 video clips submitted by cyclists (wearing recording devices) to police forces in England and Wales. These show dangerously close passes made by vehicles. Fast forward to 2024 and submission levels have more than doubled with 15,779 clips uploaded.

Close calls

To see how widespread the issue is, the charity approached 43 police forces across England and Wales with 20 responding to its request for more information:

  • Avon and Somerset police revealed that it had received the most complaints about irresponsible passing with 3,501 clips received in 2024.
  • Bedfordshire police revealed that it had the highest prosecution rate in the same year and resulted in a Notice of Intended Prosecution being sent to 90% of drivers featured in the incriminating clips.
  • In 2021, 14 forces reported close passes based on clips submitted to them; this increased to 20 forces by 2024.

Remember, if you are found guilty of passing a cyclist too closely, you can be done for for careless or dangerous driving. This can result in an unlimited fine, your licence being revoked – and even spending time in prison.

“It is extremely concerning that more than half of motorists don’t know how much space to give a cyclist when overtaking … It is small wonder then that record numbers of cyclists are installing cameras and submitting footage of dangerous or careless drivers to the police. While it is heartening to see that prosecution rates have increased, it would be better if it didn’t reach that stage and motorists weren’t doing it in the first place.”

• Harriet Hernando, IAM RoadSmart

Why the change?

Some of you may be wondering why cyclists need to be given a wide berth when passing them. The reasons are simple – riders often need to carry out emergency manoeuvres to avoid hitting drains or potholes. Other top tips for ensuring you help keep cyclists safe are:

  • Leave a gap between you and the cyclist of 2-3 car length – this will help you see further up the road to spot any oncoming traffic, making passing the cyclist even safer.
  • Don’t slam on your brakes if you can avoid it as cyclists following behind you could end up going into the back of you.
  • Remember, two cyclists are allowed to ride side by side. This is to make them more visible to drivers, in turn increasing their safety – so don’t toot your horn impatiently at them; instead wait until it is safe to pass.
  • Use the ‘Dutch Reach’ to open your car door when stopped – using the hand furtherest away from the door you are about to open. This forces you to turn your body, helping you to check over your shoulder for any cyclists who might be about to pass you and prevent them from riding right into your opening door.

For more information about the Dutch Reach, check out our blog post here.

Know Your Code

Double your chances of theory test success with Theory Test Pro. Sign up for free here.

Main image by Freepik