Overtaking mopeds and bicycles
How to pass a bicycle or moped without pressuring, frightening or creating dangerous situations.
Passing bicycles and mopeds requires more precision than many people think. Vulnerable road users are easily affected by air pressure, potholes, side wind and unpredictable movements.
What you need to know
- You must allow better lateral clearance than when overtaking a car.
- Oncoming traffic and the road edge determine whether the pass is safe.
- Low speed and a clear margin are often more important than passing quickly.
Typical situations
| Situation | What you should do | Common mistake |
|---|---|---|
| Rural road with oncoming traffic | Wait until you can give plenty of side space without pressuring the road user you are passing. | Squeezing through with half a margin. |
| City street with parked cars | Assess dooring risk and the cyclist’s need to move outward. | Assuming the cyclist will hold a perfectly straight line. |
| Moped uphill | Expect low speed and some variation in road position. | Becoming impatient because traffic is building up behind you. |
Common mistakes
- Passing too close in the hope of saving time.
- Forgetting that cyclists often need to steer around potholes and drains.
- Using the horn unnecessarily close to the cyclist.
How to practice
Read this together with Overtaking cyclists , Large vehicles - give space and E-scooters and micromobility .
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